Force

Force defines the demand placed upon structure.

Structure establishes capacity.

Force establishes load.

The Structural Decision Framework™ is a threshold-based clinical decision model in dentistry that evaluates irreversible treatment using four variables: structure, force, time, and long-term stability.

Force includes:

Magnitude of occlusal load

Direction of load vectors

Frequency of contact

Duration of contact

Distribution across the arch

Parafunctional activity

Force is dynamic.

Occlusion changes across time.

Parafunction may increase or decrease.

Opposing dentition may alter contact intensity.

Restorations may redirect load distribution.

Force interacts directly with structural geometry.

A cusp with intact marginal ridges distributes load differently than a cusp undermined by a large restoration.

A vertical crack propagates differently under axial load than under lateral load.

A narrow root with reduced dentin thickness behaves differently under torque than under compressive force.

Force must therefore be evaluated in context.

Magnitude alone is insufficient.

Direction and distribution are equally critical.

Axial force may be tolerated within structural reserve.

Lateral force increases flexural stress.

Concentrated contacts amplify localized strain.

Moderate force applied repeatedly across projected time produces fatigue.

Parafunction is a significant modifier.

Bruxism increases magnitude and frequency.

Clenching prolongs duration of load.

Asymmetrical contacts concentrate stress on compromised structure.

Force cannot be evaluated independently of structure.

A tooth with high structural reserve may tolerate significant load.

A tooth with reduced structural reserve may fail under normal function.

Force must also be evaluated across projected time.

Short-term tolerance does not confirm long-term stability.

Repetitive cyclic loading accumulates fatigue.

Fatigue reduces fracture resistance progressively.

In the Structural Decision Framework™, force is a primary determinant of threshold convergence.

The clinician must determine:

What is the magnitude of force?

What is the direction of force?

How is force distributed?

How frequently and for how long is force applied?

How will intervention alter force patterns?

Force defines demand relative to structural capacity.

When projected force across projected time approaches or exceeds structural tolerance, threshold convergence begins.

Force alone does not define threshold.

Force integrated with structure and time defines trajectory.

Trajectory determines long-term stability.

Structure defines capacity.

Force defines demand.

Time defines exposure.

Long-term stability defines projected outcome.

The next chapter defines time.