What type of movement does an intrusive force generate on a tooth?

An intrusive force generates apical movement with respect to the alveolar bone. This type of force occurs when the tooth is pushed or displaced toward the root, effectively moving the coronal portion of the tooth into the socket. The goal of this movement is often to reduce the clinical crown height, allowing for better alignment of the tooth within the dental arch.

In orthodontic treatment, intrusive forces are typically employed to bring teeth down into the bone or to correct over-erupted teeth. By understanding how these forces interact with the tooth and surrounding dental structures, practitioners can effectively apply the necessary forces to achieve desired movements and outcomes in tooth positioning. The other movements listed do not correctly describe the action of an intrusive force, as they pertain to movements away from the bone or in other directions entirely.