Figure 7. Lateral occlusal forces create tensile and compressive forces at the cervical area of tooth. Magnification depicts disruption of chemical bonds between enamel rods resulting in crystals that are more susceptible to breakage and chemical dissolution.

Reprinted from J Prosthet Dent, Vol. 53, Lee WC; WS Eakle, Possible role of tensile stress in the etiology of cervical erosive lesions of teeth, 374-380, 1984, with permission from Elsevier Science.