Fundamentals of

Biomechanics
DR. HUSSAIN ALSHATTI
Contents
Introduction

Terms and definitions

Principles of Biomechanics
◦ One-Couple System
◦ Two Couple System
◦ Levelling and Aligning
Introduction
What is Mechanics?

What is Biomechanics?

What are Newton’s Law?

Introduction
What is Mechanics?

What is Biomechanics?

What are Newton’s Law?

Introduction
What is Mechanics?
 Branch of Physics that deals with the study of Forces
 Statics, Kinetics, Material science

What is Biomechanics?
 The study of mechanics (forces) as it affects a biologic system (i.e. teeth and periodontium)

What are Newton’s Law?

 Three Laws
Introduction
What are Newton’s Law?
 Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia)
 Describes bodies at rest or bodies with uniform velocity (no acceleration)
 Important in Orthodontics

 Newton’s Second Law (Law of Acceleration)

 States that when force is applied to an object, it accelerates proportional to the amount of force applied
 Not related to orthodontics

 Newton’s Third Law (Law of Action and Reaction)

 States that for every action there is ALWAYS an equal and opposite reaction (every force has equal and opposite force)
Introduction
 Newton’s Third Law (Law of Action and Reaction)
 States that for every action there is ALWAYS an equal and opposite reaction (every force has equal and opposite force)
 A more important application of Third Law is “Static Equilibrium”

 What Does it mean?

Introduction
 Newton’s Third Law (Law of Action and Reaction)
 States that for every action there is ALWAYS an equal and opposite reaction (every force has equal and opposite force)
 A more important application of Third Law is “Static Equilibrium”

 What Does it mean?

 Static equilibrium implies that “At any point within a body, the sum of forces and moments acting on a body is ZERO”
Introduction
Orthodontic tooth movement – Forces on the teeth

Knowledge of mechanical principles and governing forces – necessary for the control of
orthodontic treatment.

Basis of orthodontic treatment – clinical application of biomechanic concepts

Proper mechanical force system = medications treatment success

Terms and Definitions