title: 3-D finite element modelling of facial soft tissue and preliminary application in orthodontics.
abstract: Prediction of soft tissue aesthetics is important for achieving an optimal outcome in orthodontic treatment planning. Previously, applicable procedures were mainly restricted to 2-D profile prediction. In this study, a generic 3-D finite element (FE) model of the craniofacial soft and hard tissue was constructed, and individualisation of the generic model based on cone beam CT data and mathematical transformation was investigated. The result indicated that patient-specific 3-D facial FE model including different layers of soft tissue could be obtained through mathematical model transformation. Average deviation between the transformed model and the real reconstructed one was 0.47 ± 0.77 mm and 0.75 ± 0.84 mm in soft and hard tissue, respectively. With boundary condition defined according to treatment plan, such FE model could be used to predict the result of orthodontic treatment on facial soft tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Si
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hangdi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Qiguo
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Rong
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Tian-Min
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012886:Skull / Q000502:physiology*