IN-VITRO VALIDATION OF A FEM MODEL FOR CRANIOFACIAL EFFECTS DURING RAPID MAXILLARY EXPANSION

摘要

This study was designed to investigate the biomechanical effect on the craniofacial complex during Rapid Maxillary Expansion, by using an in-vitro experiment compared with a 3D finite element model of a human skull. For this purpose, a dry skull with artificially constructed teeth was prepared in the dental laboratory. Measurements were obtained using two digital micrometers and a digital Vernier Gauge. Two video cameras were used to record the whole experiment. On the other hand, a three-dimensional finite element model including sutures was developed based on CT scans. Two types of models were analyzed. At the first model, the total activation of the jackscrew device was applied in one step. At the second model, much more steps were applied taking into account the phenomenon of relaxation. Comparisons refer to openings between four critical points (MI, UM, EM and CN) of the left and right maxilla.