title: [A three-dimensional finite element study on the temporomandibular joint based on individual occlusal contact].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develope a three-dimensional finite element model based on the individual occlusal contact data to analyze the influence of occlusal contact on the stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
  
  
  METHODS
  CT, cone-beam CT (CBCT), MRI and 3D scanner were used to create a three-dimensional finite element model of the stomatognathic system, which reflected the accurate morphological characteristics of the occlusal surface. The contact area was marked on the occlusal surface of the teeth based on the individual occlusal contact data obtained during the maximal volunteer clenching (MVC). Two occlusal contact conditions including normal occlusion and unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC) were constructed. The models were fixed on the contact areas to simulate the MVC condition in order to analyze the stress distribution in the TMJ.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stress distribution of the TMJ was approximately symmetrical in normal occlusion, but the stress values were somewhat different. No significant difference was found in stress distribution between UPC and normal occlusion, but the values were significantly higher on the crossbite side. The maximum values of von Mises stress were 10.35, 3.82, 3.59 MPa, on condylar process, articular disk, articular fossa of the crossbite side, respectively while on the corresponding side of the normal occlusion maximum values were 7.32, 3.18, 2.84 MPa, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The stress distribution of the TMJ in three-dimensional finite element model which indicated the personal occlusal contact was highly sensitive to the change of the occlusal contact. The abnormal occlusal contact caused by the UPC could lead to the stress concentration of the TMJ on the crossbite side.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
authors.forename: Ziling
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Liqiang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Haibo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Email: dingyin@fmmu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ding
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders