Establishment Of Three-dimensional Finitemodei Of Unilateral Maxilla Defectthrough CBCT And Mechanical Analyses Of Reconstruction By Different Repair Materials

Objective To develop an effective and precise method to constructthree-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model for maxillary defects by using conebeam CT (CBCT) scanning data. To study the biomechanics effect of repairingunilateral maxillary defects using different prosthetic materials by the three-dimensionalfinite element analysis. Methods A male patient with left maxillary defect was scannedby Promax3D CBCT, and then3D finite element model was constructed by Mimics andAbaqus software. The prosthesis was generated by mirroring technology. Afterprocessing, the finite element model of maxillary model was established. The stressdistribution of maxilla was calculated by simulating occlusion. Results With precisedata of CBCT scan, clear and integrated3D finite element model of maxillary defectwas constructed. The maximum stress of the restoration maxilla by different materials isconcentrated on the edge of maxilla connected with zygoma, the position attachedzygolabialis and levator anguli oris. The minimum stress of the maxilla edge on therepair side is8.471MPa by using tricalcium phosphate (TCP) composite. The maximumstress of the maxilla edge on the repair side is17.55MPa by using hydroxyapatite (HA-4)material. Conclusions The application of CBCT in the construction of3D finite elementmodel of maxillary defect was effective and feasible. It’s more valuable than usingconventional spiral multi-slice computed tomography. That will be widely adopted inthe areas of maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, orthodontics and orthopaedics.Different repair material had no significant effect on the natural side of maxilla after restoration, while a greater impact of force status on the repair side.