Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 8, 90-104, Copyright © 1997 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Modeling the mechanical behavior of the jaws and their related structures by finite element (FE) analysis
T. W. Korioth and A. Versluis
Department of Oral Science, Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics (MDRCBB), School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneopolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
In this paper, we provide a review of mechanical finite element analyses
applied to the maxillary and/or mandibular bone with their associated
natural and restored structures. It includes a description of the
principles and the relevant variables involved, and their critical
application to published finite element models ranging from
three-dimensional reconstructions of the jaws to detailed investigations on
the behavior of natural and restored teeth, as well as basic materials
science. The survey revealed that many outstanding FE approaches related to
natural and restored dental structures had already been done 10-20 years
ago. Several three-dimensional mandibular models are currently available,
but a more realistic correlation with physiological chewing and biting
tasks is needed. Many FE models lack experimentally derived material
properties, sensitivity analyses, or validation attempts, and yield too
much significance to their predictive, quantitative outcome. A combination
of direct validation and, most importantly, the complete assessment of
methodical changes in all relevant variables involved in the modeled system
probably indicates a good FE modeling approach. A numerical method for
addressing mechanical problems is a powerful contemporary research tool. FE
analyses can provide precise insight into the complex mechanical behavior
of natural and restored craniofacial structures affected by
three-dimensional stress fields which are still very difficult to assess
otherwise.
