Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the facial skeleton on simulated occlusal loading

Development of predictive models of occlusal loading of the facial skeleton will be of value for prosthetic design in oral rehabilitation. A 3-D finit e element (FE) model of a human skull, based on CT scans, was constructed t o analyse strain and stress distribution in the facial skeleton caused by s imulated occlusal loading. Vertical loads were applied simulating loading o f the full maxillary arch and unilateral single point occlusal loading of m axillary molar, pre-molar, canine and incisor sites. Strain and stress regi mes from Von Mises (VM) failure criteria and extension and compression diag rams showed even distribution of strain following loading of the full maxil lary arch throughout the facial elements. For individual points, the highes t VM concentrations were consistently located on the facial aspect several mm above the loading site. Strain trajectories divided into a 'V-shaped' pa ttern, from the loading point into medial and lateral branches with higher VM values in the medial. As the same load was applied from the posterior to anterior region, VM values increased on all facial areas. Strain patterns were less symmetric and there was an increase in strain in the alveolar arc h and around the rim of the nasal cavity. The overall picture of the facial skeleton is of a vertical plate enabling it to withstand occlusal stresses by in-plane loading and bending in its own plane. The most efficient distr ibution of load was on maxillary full arch loading with the most unfavourab le strain concentrations occurring on loading in the anterior region.