Simulations Using Finite Element Method Made on a Personalized Dental System

Abstract

The human skull and the maxillary bones have a very complicated architecture, determined by the outer walls, by the internal bone structures and their joining. In this paper CAD parametric software has been used to define complex virtual models. First, the mandible and jaw were defined using CT images. These images were imported into a CAD software using specific techniques and methods. These models have been finalized in SolidWorks where the virtual model of the studied system has been generated. Then, the virtual models were exported to a software for FEA simulation and prepared for every dentistry simulations. The structure of the maxillary bones contains spongy bone tissue, cortical bone tissue along with dental tissues. Each of these tissues have certain properties (elasticity, plasticity, density) assessed by flexibility. The analysis of the mechanical tension of the dental structures has been a subject of interest in recent years in order to determine the state of tension in the dental structures and to improve the mechanical strength of these structures. Such numerical techniques can give a better understanding of reactions and interactions of individual tissues. This involves a series of computational procedures to calculate stress in each element. Field variables can be interpolated by using form functions for scientific verification and validation of clinical assumptions. Various loadings have been applied to a personalized skull obtained from CT images using CAD techniques and procedures. On this system, FEM simulations were made and maps of stress, displacements and deformations were obtained that show the mechanical behavior of the maxillary dental system. Finally, important conclusions were highlighted.