The biomechanical characteristics of the dental periodontal ligament (PDL) are currently not completely known. Methods: A Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) that can detect small forces at resolutions of 0.002 N was utilized to characterize stress-strain behavior of PDL specimens sectioned from mandibular bovine incisors. Uniaxial tension tests using different force levels of 0.5, 1, and 3 N were completed for 38 samples. Modulus values calculated from experimental data were compared to see the effects of anatomic location and force levels. The Mooney-Rivlin model was applied to experimental data and used in a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation of orthodontic intrusion. Results: Force levels (ANOVA, p<.01) and anatomic location (ANOVA, p<.01) were statistically significant in their effects on modulus. Conclusion: The data suggests that the PDL is a non-homogeneous tissue in which the modulus changes in relation to location within the PDL and the applied force levels. Additionally, the Mooney-Rivlin model was found to approximate the experimental data well, and it demonstrated a reasonable expected outcome of stress/strain levels within the PDL and bone for the FEA intrusion simulation.
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