3-D finite element modelling of facial soft tissue and preliminary application in orthodontics

Abstract

Prediction of soft tissue aesthetics is important for achieving an optimal outcome in orthodontic treatment planning. Previously, applicable procedures were mainly restricted to 2-D profile prediction. In this study, a generic 3-D finite element (FE) model of the craniofacial soft and hard tissue was constructed, and individualisation of the generic model based on cone beam CT data and mathematical transformation was investigated. The result indicated that patient-specific 3-D facial FE model including different layers of soft tissue could be obtained through mathematical model transformation. Average deviation between the transformed model and the real reconstructed one was 0.47 ± 0.77 mm and 0.75 ± 0.84 mm in soft and hard tissue, respectively. With boundary condition defined according to treatment plan, such FE model could be used to predict the result of orthodontic treatment on facial soft tissue.

Keywords:

• 3-D finite element modelling
• facial soft tissue
• model transformation
• radial basis functions
• orthodontic prediction

Acknowledgements

This work was done as part of the thesis work of Dr Chen under the guidance of Dr Xu at Peking University and was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China under grant No. 30672350 and National 863 High-Tech Plan of China (2009AA01Z312).

Notes

^† Both the authors contributed equally to this paper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Si Chen

†

Hangdi Lou

†