title: Finite element analysis of stress distribution in anchor teeth in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.
abstract: The treatment of a transverse maxillary deficiency in skeletally mature individuals should include surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion. This study evaluated the distribution of stresses that affect the expander's anchor teeth using finite element analysis when the osteotomy is varied. Five virtual models were built and the surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion was simulated. Results showed tension on the lingual face of the teeth and alveolar bone, and compression on the buccal side of the alveolar bone. The subtotal Le Fort I osteotomy combined with intermaxillary suture osteotomy seemed to reduce the dissipation of tensions. Therefore, subtotal Le Fort I osteotomy without a step in the zygomaticomaxillary buttress, combined with intermaxillary suture osteotomy and pterygomaxillary disjunction may be the osteotomy of choice to reduce tensions on anchor teeth, which tend to move mesiobuccally (premolar) and distobuccally (molar).
authors.affiliation: Maranhão Federal University, São Luis, Brazil.
authors.forename: D S F R
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: de Assis
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.forename: P Y
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Noritomi
authors.forename: A G B
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Gonçales
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: P C P
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Gonçales
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000601:surgery; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D063166:Maxillary Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019340:Osteotomy, Le Fort / Q000379:methods; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D010159:Palate / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000473:pathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000473:pathology; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D015050:Zygoma / Q000601:surgery
keywords: biomechanics; finite element method; maxillary expansion