3D Printing Experimental Validation of the Finite Element Analysis of the Maxillofacial Model

Abstract

Contacts used in finite element (FE) models were considered as the best simulation for interactions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, the precision of simulations should be validated through experiments. Three-dimensional (3D) printing models with the high geometric and loading similarities of the individuals were used in the validation. This study aimed to validate the FE models of the TMJ using 3D printing models. Five asymptomatic subjects were recruited in this study. 3D models of mandible, disc, and maxilla were reconstructed according to cone-beam CT (CBCT) image data. PLA was chosen for 3D printing models from bottom to top. Five pressure forces corresponding to the central occlusion were applied to the 3D printing models. Ten strain rosettes were distributed on the mandible to record the horizontal and vertical strains. Contact was used in the FE models with the same geometries, material properties, loadings, and boundary conditions as 3D printing models to simulate the interaction of the disc-condyle, disc-temporal bone, and upper-lower dentition. The differences of the simulated and experimental results for each sample were less than 5% (maximum 4.92%) under all five loadings. In conclusion, it was accurate to use contact to simulate the interactions in TMJs and upper-lower dentition.

Biomechanical evaluation of Chinese customized three-dimensional printed titanium miniplate in the Lefort I osteotomy: A finite element analysis

“…Finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical approach which has been used for analyzing medical biomechanics of complex structure under various loading conditions [ 18 , 19 ]. This paper aims to verify if the customized XY-shaped titanium miniplates can stand occlusal forces and maintain maxillary stabilization after Le Fort I osteotomy.…”

The influence of maxillary incisor angles on the stress distributions of temporomandibular joints under incisal biting

“…With the limitation of the vivo experiments, FE method was widely used to simulate the biomechanical environment in the TMJs. And the reliability and precision of the TMJ models were validated by the mechanical experiment with 3D printing models 28 . Ten strain rosettes were attached on the mandible to record to the horizontal and vertical strains.…”

“…The articular cartilages of 0.2 mm were attached on the surfaces of the condyle and the articular fossa‐eminence according to the previous studies 26,27 . Based on the previous convergence test of the element size and validation of the FE models, 10,28 the maximum triangle edge length of the tetrahedron elements was set as 2 mm for the maxillary and mandible, and 0.3–0.5 mm for the discs. where GV is the gray value, HU is the Hounsfield units and E is Young's modulus. All these parameters were in international system units.…”

“…The articular cartilages of 0.2 mm were attached on the surfaces of the condyle and the articular fossa-eminence according to the previous studies. 26,27 Based on the previous convergence test of the element size and validation of the FE models, 10,28 the maximum triangle edge length of the tetrahedron elements was set as 2 mm for the maxillary and mandible, and 0.3-0.5 mm for the discs.…”

Modelling Influence on Bending Behaviour Simulation of the Poly(Lactic Acid) Structures, 3D Printed

“…The models of maxilla mandible and disc were created by 3D printing of the PLA. The conclusion is that the difference between the experiments and FEA is less than 5% in the case of horizontal and vertical strains [ 3 ]. Finite element analysis can be used to indicate the performance of body parts manufactured by 3D printing.…”