##  [Pressure–Tension Theory](/pressure-tension-theory) 

  ##  [Pressure–Tension Theory](https://health.quantumdictionary.io/pressure-tension-theory-0) 

  

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**Health & Life Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

An orthodontic model that explains tooth movement primarily by localized biological responses in the periodontal ligament (PDL): when an external orthodontic force is applied, the PDL on the compressed side experiences 'pressure' associated with bone resorption, and the PDL on the stretched side experiences 'tension' associated with bone formation, producing net tooth displacement through coordina