Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a method for constructing an anatomically correct 3D FEM model of the maxilla and to evaluate the differences between expansion forces in the maxilla with and without a midpalatal suture .

Methods: A 3D FEM model of the maxilla was constructed with Bionix software (CantiBio Co, Korea) using DICOM files from a human head 3D CT scan. Once constructed the model was meshed into 318099 elements. The midpalatal suture was selected by choosing the elements in the correct anatomical position and assigning them the different material properties. The solution was performed by the Ansys 5.5 FEM software. The boundary conditions were defined and a 100gm expansion force was applied at the lingual surface of both maxillary 2nd premolars. This process was repeated in the same model of the maxilla without a midpalatal suture. In each model the stress and strain patterns were visualized as a von Mises stress and strain analysis and evaluated qualitatively.

Results: The maxillary model without the midpalatal suture showed concentric lines of stress radiated outward from this area and converging at the anterior of the maxilla. The model also shows a bilateral stress distribution in the region of the canine to the first molar extending superiorly to the zygomatic arch. The model with the midpalatal suture showed similar stress patterns under near identical force applications. In the strain analysis, however, the anterior portion of midpalatal suture model showed a unique expansion pattern of the anterior palate.

Conclusion: The displacement shown in the anterior palate of the midpalatal suture model indicates a more clinically useful model. The method used for constructing these models has applications for developing models of various craniofacial anomalies. Once constructed, these models can be used to simulate all manner of force applications.

Back to the Craniofacial Biology Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session (March 10-13, 2004)

Top Level Search