title: Three dimensional model of the human mandible.
abstract: A new biomechanical three-dimensional (3D) model for the human mandible is proposed. A simple two-dimensional model cannot explain the biomechanics of the human mandible, where muscular forces through occlusion and condylar surfaces are in a state of dynamical 3D equilibrium. All forces are resolved into components according to a selected coordinate system. The muscular forces, which during clenching act on the jaw, along with the necessary force level for chewing, also act as some kind of stabilizers of the mandibular condyles preventing dislocation and loading of nonarticular tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Muftić
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Milcić
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saucha
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Carek
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology