Reconstructing TMJ 3D Finite Element Models Of Five Mouth Opening

With the rapid development of the computer technique and finite element method using in craniofacial tissues, reconstructing of finite element models is quicker , more precise and more opening. TMJ as the most complex tissue of craniofacial tissues, the model needs more similar and precise. Nowadays the biomechanical researches on TMJ are limited in mouth clench .In this research, by using the thin-layer CT and MR scanning to assist to reconstruct the 3D TMJ finite element models of five different mouth opening. And Matlab scientific calculation software was used to identify BMP images and write the digital data to Ansys software directly, which improved the efficiency of reconstructing finite element models. The software which was made by Matlab is suit for the oral professionals to reconstruct craniofacial finite element models independently.In this research, we mainly discuss the trends of the reconstructing craniofacial finite element models and review the development of finite element models of TMJ. Then use Matlab software to assist to reconstruct 3D TMJ finite element models of five different mouth opening.Firstly, by using the thin-layer CT scanning (1mm) and Matlab software to assistant to reconstruct the 3D finite element model of dentulous mandible. Matlab scientific calculation software was first used to identify images and write the digital data to Ansys software directly, which improved the efficiency of reconstructing 3D finite element model and it can be used by oral professionals to acquire digital date from BMP pictures.Secondly, by using 3D/WATS thin-layer MR scanning (1mm) and Matlab software to assistant to reconstruct the 3D finite element model of TMJ finite element models of five different mouth opening. And by using 3D/WATS MR slope sagital section scanning of TMJ, we can get more precise relationship of TMJ region.Thirdly, 3D finite element model of dentulous mandible was reconstructed by CT images. And five 3D finite element TMJ models of different mouth opening were reconstructed by MR images. Then five different mouth opening TMJ models including dentulous mandible were reconstructed by computer recombination technique.Last, a new software is programmed by Matlab software and C++ builder language, which can easily used by oral professionals to assist to get digital data from BMP pictures.