Finite element analysis of crenulated and non‐crenulated hominid molars: A functional hypothesis explaining the adaptive significance of molar crenulation

Abstract

Objectives: The occlusal surface of many mammalian teeth has grooves that have been collectively called crenulations. The evolutionary significance of this trait is unknown, but it has been associated with a hard diet. It has not been explained, however, why crenulated molars may present an increased mechanical resistance. The objective of this study was to determine whether a crenulated surface dissipate mechanical stress more efficiently than a smooth one. Materials and methods:Using μCT scans we built 3D models of lower second molars from Homo, Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo. The crenulated models from Homo and Pongo were modified to remove crenulations. Finite element analysis was used to determine the distribution of mechanical stress in all the models when a vertical force was applied. Results:The results show that crenulated molars have a distinctive pattern of mechanical stress, namely the stress is higher in the valleys than in the crests of the crenulations. In non-crenulated molars, mechanical stress is more homogeneously distributed. Highly crenulated molars of orangutans show the smallest values of mean stress among the compared species. Artificially removing crenulations results in more homogeneous distribution of stresses and increased mean stress values.Conclusions: Molar crenulations may increase molar resistance by canalizing mechanical stress from the tip to the base of the cusps. The overall cusp shape also influences the distribution of stress. This mechanism may be a functional hypothesis to explain the association between crenulated molars and mechanically demanding diets.