Material properties of periodontal ligaments

The mechanism of orthodontic teeth movement is not entirely explained. The principal reaction on tissues at the cellular and molecular level is initiated by the force applied to the tooth crown and transferred in turn upon the periodontal ligament (PDL). It seems, therefore, that the PDL and particularly its properties play a key role in bone remodelling. One of the more commonly used methods, which is capable of analysis of a wide range of orthodontic movements or distribution of stress and strain within teeth and periodontium, is the finite element method (FEM). Aiming to achieve the FEM model as close as possible to in vivo conditions, it is necessary to account for accurate material properties. The aim of the present study is to compare particular studies and descriptions of material characteristics of the PDL. The analysis of available articles shows how imperfect modern descriptions of PDL material properties available today are, which in the precise method could allow the analysis of the occurrences within the in vivo processes in a non-destructive manner. The complicated anatomy and physiology of PDL, which incur significant parameter changes with age and disease susceptibility, make the accurate description of this material so difficult. The available study results show that those characteristics should be precise and complicated, which undoubtedly impedes the calculation processes but generates reliable results.