This investigation has been carried out to support the empirical studies conducted by dentists in orthodontic correction using brackets. Both numerical and experimental methods have been implemented in order to give a clear indication of the intrinsic stress distribution throughout a tooth and its surrounding periodontum when a load is applied to the tooth in its initial translation stage. For optimal accuracy, the tooth and surrounding periodontum in both cases are assigned different values proportional to those present in actuality. From the numerical model developed using Ansys Workbench 12, the possible stress patterns are determined. These are validated by the use of 3-dimensional photoelasticity. Tooth models manufactured from polymethyl-methacrylate are stress-frozen with a known loading configuration and sectioned in order to determine the internal stress pattern. These results are then compared with the finite element model. The choice of material was due to its ability to be manufactured without residual stresses, and its birefringent properties. This investigation will be effective in the improvement of orthodontic correctional procedures, especially with the emergence of more aesthetic bracket designs.