Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis On The Effects Of Partial Anodontia And Its Restoration To The Stress Distribution In TMJ

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the only joint that keeps relatively active reconstruction ability for all one's life. The load on TMJ is very important for its physiological function. Occlusal force is the most direct origin of that load, which has varying directions, different types and individual diversity. In the process of biting, the character and capacity of occlusal contact play an important role in stabilizing the stress environment of TMJ. With the teeth missing, the values and directions of apical stress of mandibular teeth would also change, which could be transferred along the force track of mandible to its end-point, condyle and further to affect the stress distribution in TMJ. Therefore, investigation on the law of stress distribution in TMJ under different occlusal pattern caused by teeth missing is very important for further understanding of reconstructive feature and the development of some diseases of TMJ.(1) By using the thin-layer CT and MR scanning and Matab soft ware to assistant to reconstruct the three-dimensional finite element model of mandible and TMJ.(2) Occlusal force vectors in apical area of remaining teeth of different occlusal pattern before and after teething missing were determined by...