Spherical indentation of tooth enamel

Abstract

Spherical indentation measurements were made on enamel surfaces of intact human teeth. From the load versus depth of indentation curve Young's modulus was found to be typically 8.3×1010 Pa and the yield stress to be 3.3×108 Pa. Young's modulus was observed to vary with moisture content and with the orientation of the enamel surface. Viscoelastic behaviour was evident, also depending on the moisture content of the enamel. © 1981 Chapman and Hall Ltd.