Evaluation of stress changes in mandible with twin block appliance - A finite element study Chaudhry Anshul, Senior Resident, Sidhu Maninder S., Director, Professor & Head, Chaudhary Girish, Senior Lecturer, Grover Seema, Professor, Prabhakar Mona, Professor, Malik Vikas, Senior Lecturer Address for Correspondence: Dr. Anshul Chaudhry, Senior Resident, Department of Orthodontics, Christian Dental College, CMC Ludhiana, Punjab. E-mail: dr.anshulchaudhry@gmail.com
Online published on 28 May, 2014. Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the removable functional appliance (Twin block) with varying construction bites on the mandible with 3-dimensional (3D) finite element stress analysis. Methods A 3D finite element model of the mandible was constructed from the CBCT generated images of a growing boy. The model simulated mandibular protraction, with 5 mm and 8 mm of sagittal advancement and 3 mm of vertical opening. The changes were studied with the finite element method, in the form of displacement, Maximum Von Mises stress and Maximum Principal stress regions. Results In the resting stage, maximum displacement was from canine to canine while in the construction bite 1 and 2, it was in the premolar region. Maximum von Mises stress and maximum principal stress changes were more in the 8 mm horizontal advancement. The regions near the muscle attachment areas were affected the most. Conclusions Functional appliances can cause morphologic changes on the mandible by activating the masticatory muscles to change the growth direction. Top |