Dental Biomechanics Laboratory - Purdue University

Mission

The mission of the lab is to advance clinical dentistry using engineering principles and state-of-the-art engineering tools. The area of research includes:

• Orthodontic appliance design and evaluation
• Accelerated orthodontic tooth movement
• Aligner technology

Overview

The goal of our lab is to enhance orthodontic treatment through an evidence-based approach. We aim to develop effective appliances that shorten treatment time and minimize side effects. Our research focuses on fundamental principles while exploring innovative methods to improve treatment efficiency. We have created tools to monitor and control treatment strategies and to quantify clinical outcomes, enabling objective assessment of treatment effectiveness. This work supports the transition of dental practice from experience-based to evidence-based care.

Our research focuses on:

• Developing methods to accelerate tooth movement and enhance post-treatment retention
• Creating digital dental models from traditional clinical tools—such as dental impressions and CT images—for use across various dental disciplines
• Quantifying treatment strategies, including three-dimensional (3D) orthodontic force systems
• Developing simulation tools to study the dentoalveolar mechanical environment associated with orthodontic treatment and dental implants
• Designing simulation tools to quantify the force systems required for achieving desired tooth movements
• Measuring clinical treatment outcomes, including 3D tooth displacements, root resorption, and esthetic changes
• Developing patient-specific dental appliances to optimize treatment outcomes

With the aid of novel technologies that quantify both force systems and the resulting tooth displacements, our research investigates the mechanical and biological effects of various treatment strategies and their associated biological responses. We design and clinically validate new orthodontic appliances, highlighting the advantages of an evidence-based approach to orthodontics. These technologies also have applications in other dental disciplines, including prosthodontics and oral surgery. Our lab facilities support the creation of digital dental models, allow clinicians to manipulate these models as they would in practice, enable precise measurements, and facilitate electronic data storage. Our work has been supported by grants from the NIDCR, research foundation, and various industry partners.