Mechanical Response to Functional Loading Around the Threads of Retromolar Endosseous Implants Utilized for Orthodontic Anchorage: Coordinated Histomorphometric and Finite Element Analysis

A 3-dimensional bone-implant finite element model was created. The objective was to further investigate the mechanical environment of cortical bone adjacent to the threads of a retromolar endosseous implant used for orthodontic anchorage to mesially translate mandibular molars in response to normal functional loading. This study emphasizes the stress invariants around and between the threads of the implant for future comparison to histomorphometric data from an ongoing clinical study. A strong stress pattern change was found immediately around the implant, which was reflected by a moderate change of stresses between the threads and a significant increase in stress at the tips of the threads. Keywords: dental implant, finite element analysis, mechanical response