Objectives: Although studied exhaustively, the mechanism of tooth support remains the subject of considerable controversy. Various experimental techniques and theoretical analyses have been employed to tackle this intricate problem in the past. The aim of this research was to investigate the viscoelastic behaviors of the periodontal ligament (PDL) using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods: We established four models to simulate the tissue behaviors of the PDL: (1) Linear elastic model; (2) Deviatoric viscoelastic model; (3) Volumetric viscoelastic model; (4) Finite strain viscoelastic model. The mechanical properties of the PDL were derived from the results of reported in-vitro as well as in-vivo experiments. Results: The results of this research demonstrated that the major source of creep came from the free fluid and vascular system, and both the volumetric and the deviatoric viscoelastic models could successfully simulate this tissue behavior. However, the finite strain viscoelastic governing equations could model not only the non-linear relationship of load-displacement but also the non-linear time-displacement relation. Conclusions: The finite strain viscoelastic model is a suitable model to investigate the viscoelastic behaviors of the PDL. It is also noteworthy that when only the stress or strain distribution in the coronal portion of tooth is concerned, the modeling of periodontal ligament is not so significant. However, when the stress or strain in the root is concerned, the role of periodontal ligament needs to be further justified. (This study was supported by NSC 89-2213-E-002-135)

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