Application of biomechanical principles can reduce the high levels of stress and strain which can occur in all aspects of clinical dentistry. Thses principles must be based on the fundamental concepts of muscle function and paths of stress flow within the stomatognathic complex. The importance of tissue fluids, vascular pressures, elasticity of the alveolar process, and the viscoelastic properties of connective tissue polymers in the load transfer process has been established by in vitro, in vivo, and replica studies. The role collagen fibers in tooth support is a contributing factor, rather than the sole element in understanding periodontal physiology. The exact nature of the interactions of these various support systems remains elusive.
These biomechanical concepts pervade all treatment plans and their effective implementation. For example, prosthodontic designs that reduce unwanted stress concentrations to protect the remaining dentition and TMJ cannot be achieved without giving proper attention to the functional forces which are acting and the structures that ultimately must support them. It is not only essential that reconstructive elements be inherently structurally and functionally sound, but must they be able to contribute to the harmony and well-being of the entire stomatognathic complex.