When biting down on anterior teeth, what forces are applied over an angle fracture?

When biting down on anterior teeth, the correct answer highlights the biomechanical forces acting at the fracture site, particularly around an angle fracture of the mandible.

In this context, tension at the alveolus occurs because the anterior teeth are involved in biting and chewing, which creates a force pulling away from the alveolar ridge. This pulling force is transmitted through the alveolar bone, leading to a region of tension.

At the same time, compression at the inferior border of the mandible happens because the activity of biting down generates a downward force that pushes the two segments of the mandible together. The inferior border experiences this compressive force due to the alignment and structural support it provides against the applied occlusal forces.

Understanding this biomechanical behavior is crucial, especially in the management of fractures, as it helps in devising appropriate surgical strategies for stabilization and healing. Thus, recognizing the tension and compression forces at play is key to grasping how an angle fracture is affected during functional loading.