Tooth movement, in the context of bodily movement or translation, occurs when the entire tooth structure—both the crown and the root—moves an equal distance in the same direction (1). This specific type of movement happens under particular conditions related to how force is applied to the tooth.
Understanding Bodily Tooth Movement
Bodily movement is distinct from other types of tooth movement (like tipping or rotation). It involves the parallel displacement of the tooth within the bone.
- What it is: The crown and the root of the tooth move simultaneously and equally in the desired direction (1).
- How it occurs: For this parallel movement to happen, the force applied to the tooth must pass through a specific point within the root known as the tooth's Center of Resistance (COR) (1).
Key Factors for Bodily Movement
The reference highlights the crucial condition that enables bodily tooth translation:
| Type of Movement | Description | Condition for Occurrence | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Movement | Crown with root moves equal distance in same direction | Applied force passes through the COR | (1) |
When orthodontic forces or other types of forces applied to a tooth are directed through its Center of Resistance, the tooth tends to move bodily, rather than tipping or rotating around a pivot point.
This means achieving controlled bodily movement, often desired in orthodontic treatment, requires careful consideration of force application relative to the tooth's biomechanical properties, specifically the location of its COR.
