ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#This study applied the direct orthodontic force system to explore the applicability of the finite element method in the simulation of alveolar bone absorption and analyze periodontal stress distribution and the overall displacement trend.@*METHODS@#The horizontal balanced alveolar bones of model 2, 3 and 4 were reduced by 2, 4, and 6 mm by deleting elements in reference to the established height of the normal alveolar bone model 1. Then, stress distribution on the posterior set of teeth and initial total tooth displacement under the simulated load of 1.47 N of orthodontic force were investigated.@*RESULTS@#The total displacement of posterior teeth increased and parodontium Von Mises stress gradually increased as the alveolar bone height decreased. The total displacement trend and parodontium stress drastically increased when alveolar bone absorp-tion reached the height of 4 mm.@*CONCLUSIONS@#When treating patients with alveolar bone loss, stress should be avoided or drasti-cally reduced to prevent irreversible damage to periodontal tissue and to improve the quality of medical treatment.