Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis of normal maxillary complex under two different conditions

Abstract

To investigate the changes of stress distribution in the normal maxillary complex under different conditions and explore the feature of biomechanical reaction. A three-dimensional finite element stress analysis has been used to investigate the characters of stress distribution at open-mouth position and in centric occlusion. Under the same load, the stresses of the same region in the normal maxillary complex were distributed unequally. The limits of stress at open-mouth position (8.969 N) were wider than that in centric occlusion (6.497 N). The stress of the whole maxillary complex in centric occlusion was lower than that at open-mouth position because of the different state of masticatory muscle. This indicated that the effect of muscles needed to be considered in the study of maxillary complex biomechanics.