Objective: Analysis the result of human mandible and temporomandibular joint using two different three-dimensional finite element method under different mechanical models.
Methods: The 3-dimensional model including cortical and cancellous bone for human mandible was obtained through computed tomography (CT) scan. Then the model was meshed in the software ICEM CFD. The passive and active muscle-force loadings were separately applied on the FE model to simulate the anterior clenching. Stress distributions in two models were compared.
Results: The stress distributions of two models were apparently different. In the passive muscle-force model, high stress was mainly distributed in mandibular angle, retromolar trigone, notch and bite point on crown. In the active muscle-force model, high stress was mainly distributed in condylar vertex and neck, mandibular angle, retromolar trigone and bite point on crown. There were some similarities between passive and active muscle loadings. However, large difference existed in condylar region due to the vertices reaction force disparity.
Conclusion: Closer to actual stressing state of human mandible and temporomandibular joint, the active muscle-force model is a proper biomechanical model for human mandible under anterior clenching.