Objective: To investigate the distribution of stress on the surface of alveolar bone of mandibular incisors with different bone height under different loadings. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model of mandibular incisor with healthy alveolar bone height, named Model 1, was constructed. Then the alveolar bone of model 1 was lowered to respectively construct Model 2(Bone loss was 1/4), Model 3(Bone loss was 1/3), Model 4(Bone loss was 1/2), Model 5 (Bone loss was 2/3) and Model 6 (Bone loss was 3/4). By three-dimensional finite element analysis, the von Mises stresses of models with different bone height were observed when different loadings in 0, 15 and 30 degree were applied. Results: Under vertical loading or 15 degree oblique loading, the maximums of stress of Model 1 were 13.171 and 14.315 MPa respectively, both located in the apical region. Under 30 degree oblique loading, the maximum was 15.262 MPa located in the apical region and on the crest. Then the stress increased and its distribution changed with the loss of bone. When bone loss was less than half, the stress of models increased slowly under different loadings, however, once bone loss was more than half, the stress increased significantly. The distribution of the maximum has completely transferred from the apical area to the crest and the scope of its distribution decreased from area to point when bone loss was 1/2. Both the increasing of stress and the change of its distribution would induce further bone loss of the crest. Conclusion: It is indicated that when bone loss is not less than half, occlusal adjustment and splinting should be considered during the treatment of periodontitis in order to avoid the significant increasing of stress and reduce the destruction of periodontal tissues. Further clinical trials will be done to ultimately confirm this prediction.

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