A three-dimensional finite element analysis of the relationship between masticatory performance and skeletal malocclusion

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the transfer of different occlusal forces in various skeletal malocclusions using finite element analysis (FEA). METHODS Three representative human cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of three skeletal malocclusions were obtained from the Department of Orthodontics, Yonsei University Dental Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. The CBCT scans were read into the visualization software after separating bones and muscles by uploading the CBCT images into Mimics (Materialise). Two separate three-dimensional (3D) files were exported to visualize the solid morphology of skeletal outlines without considering the inner structures. Individual dental impressions were taken and stone models were scanned with a 3D scanner. These images were integrated and occlusal motions were simulated. Displacement and Von Mises stress were measured at the nodes of the FEA models. The displacement and stress distribution were analyzed. FEA was performed to obtain the 3D deformation of the mandibles under loads of 100, 150, 200, and 225 kg. RESULTS The distortion in all three skeletal malocclusions was comparable. Greater forces resulted in observing more distortion in FEA. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are warranted to fully evaluate the impact of skeletal malocclusion on masticatory performance using information on muscle attachment and 3D temporomandibular joint movements.