Experimental evaluation of initial tooth displacement, center of resistance, and center of rotation under the influence of an orthodontic force

The purpose of this study was to determine the location of the center of resistance and the center of rotation of the maxillary central incisors under the influence of a single simple force and to investigate related geometric parameters of the teeth and the surrounding periodontal tissues. By measuring the initial displacement of the central incisors with a magnetic sensing system, the location of the center of resistance and the centers of rotation associated with various forces were determined in 3 human subjects. The results show that the location of the center of resistance of the maxillary central incisor depends on the palatal bone level and is at approximately two-thirds of the palatal alveolar bone height, measured from the root apex. A greater moment-to-force ratio is needed for any controlled movement of the maxillary incisors during retraction in patients with reduced palatal alveolar bone height. This study suggests a method for estimating the location of the center of resistance of a tooth. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;120:190-7)