title: [Construction of three-dimensional finite element model of human edentulous maxilla and cranial skeleton].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop an effective and feasible method to construct three-dimensional finite element model of the whole edentulous maxilla and cranial skeleton.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on three-dimensional computer aided design model which was constructed by multi-slices helical CT scanning data of a male's head in specialized software, three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxillary and cranial skeleton was established; the stresses distribution in maxilla was investigated under occlusal load with computer simulated a complete overdenture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxilla and cranial skeleton had favorite similarity in geometry, the distributions of stresses in maxilla and the wall of maxillary sinus could be clearly observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study verifies that this three-dimensional finite element modeling method is feasible and effective.
authors.affiliation: The State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710028, China.
authors.forename: Shi-zhu
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Yi-min
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Shi-quan
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: Di-chen
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology*