Maxillary expansion treatment using bone anchors: development and validation of a 3D finite element model

Abstract

Objective: Develop a finite element (FE) model of a skull to perform biomechanical studies of maxillary expansion using bone anchors (BA).

Materials and methods: A skull model was developed and assigned material properties based on Hounsfield unit (HU) values of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images. A 3 mm diameter cylindrical BA was modelled and inserted in the palatal bone. A 4 mm transverse displacement was applied on the anchor. An evaluation on the effect on local stresses of BA implantation inclination angle was performed.

Results: Proper displacement results and strain–stress trends for the expansion process were present. Stress distribution patterns were similar as reported in the literature. No significant difference between BA inclination angles was found.

Conclusion: This work leads to a better understanding and prediction of craniofacial and maxillary bone remodelling during ME with BA treatments and is a first step towards the development of patient specific treatments.

Keywords:

• Cone-beam computerized tomography
• 3D finite element model
• Bone anchors
• Hounsfield unit

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Y. Fang

†† †† [email protected]

M. O. Lagravère

‡‡ ‡‡ [email protected]

P. W. Major

¶¶ ¶¶ [email protected]

R. R. Toogood

§§ §§ [email protected]