A finite element based study of the biomechanics of the mandible

The biomechanics of the human mandible is studied in an attempt to understand the interplay between its form and function. Of particular interest is the distribution of mechanical stresses and strains in the bone as a consequence of modeling different patterns of muscle and biting loads. To initiate the studies, a three-dimensional finite-element model of a partially edentulated mandible has been constructed and is being analyzed. A convergence test has shown that the necessary degree of mesh refinement has been achieved using a model with over 20000 degrees of freedom. Results with incisal bite and appropriate muscle loading show that the areas of highest tensile stress are along the anterior portion of the ramus. There is significant bending in the molar region of the corpus, with compressive stresses present on the inferior portion, and tensile stresses on the superior portion.<>