The Center of Resistance of an Impacted Maxillary Canine: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to calculate the center of resistance (COR) of an impacted maxillary canine according to the stages of pericoronal tissue healing using the finite element method (FEM). The maxillary canine model was three-dimensionally scanned, and the structures surrounding the tooth were modeled using a computer-aided design program. The COR was calculated in the buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) directions using the FEM. After applying a single force to a specific point of the tooth, several counter moments were applied to compensate for this at the same point. Thereafter, the displacement curve of the tooth axis for each counter moment was plotted. The intersection points between the displacement curves corresponded to the COR. At the beginning of healing, the COR of the MD and BL direction was located at 38.1% and 38.7% of the root length from the cementoenamel junction, respectively. At the end of healing, the COR of the MD and BL direction was located at 44.6% and 49.8% of the crown length from the cementoenamel junction, respectively. The COR of the impacted maxillary canine gradually shifts to the coronal side as the healing of the pericoronal tissue occurs.