[The construction and analysis of three-dimensional finite element model of human unilateral maxillary defect].
OBJECTIVE
To built a three-dimensional finite element model of the common unilateral maxillary defect, and to study the stress of the traditional maxillofacial prostheses for unilateral maxillary defect.


METHODS
The three-dimensional finite element model of unilateral maxillary defect and maxillofacial obturator prosthesis were constructed by means of spiral CT scanning, digital image transfer, self-developed software MedGraphics, UG engineering design program and ANASYS software. Then 3-D finite element stress analysis was carried out, for the prosthesis.


RESULTS
The three-finite element models of the unilateral maxillary defect and maxillofacial obturator prosthesis were established. In the traditional obturator prosthesis, the stress was on the posterior teeth of the healthy side; the area of stress concentration was on the palatal base near the position of the anterior teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional finite element models of the unilateral maxillary defect and maxillofacial obturator prosthesis have good similarity in geometry and biology. The obturator prosthesis is in accorded with the biomechanical demands.
Hong
Ling-fei
LF
Department of Prosthodontics, College of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Sun
Jian
J
Jiao
Ting
T
Zhang
Bao-wei
BW
Tie
Ying
Y
Wang
Dong-mei
DM
D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D003765:Models, Dental; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed