The effect of time and force magnitude on orthodontic tooth movement.

The holographic technique, recently developed for precise and accurate measurement of tooth displacements, was used to study the three-dimensional motion of human teeth. Maxillary central incisors were loaded with forces of 300 grams and 500 grams. Translations and rotations in three-dimensions were measured over 45 seconds. The experimental results, presented as a function of time, indicate that the instantaneous centers of rotation can be represented by space centrodes that are characteristic for each patient and the applied force system.