Individual, High-Precision 3D Mandibular Model for Finite Element Analysis of Three-Unit Bridges: A Biomechanical Pilot Study
Source abstract
Abstract
Tooth-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) exhibit complex biomechanical behaviour because occlusal loads are transferred through the periodontal ligament (PDL) and heterogeneous mandibular bone. This pilot study aimed to develop a patient-specific NURBS-based finite element analysis (FEA) workflow for anatomically realistic mandibular reconstruction and to evaluate the biomechanical effect of geometric simplification in tooth-supported FPD simulations. Cone beam computed tomography data from a single subject were segmented and reconstructed into a layered three-dimensional model of the mandible and dentition, including cortical bone, cancellous bone, teeth, and PDL. A high-fidelity reference model (V0) and four simplified variants (V1–V4) were analysed under static 500 N loads applied at 0° and 30°. The reference model yielded a maximum von Mises stress of 507 MPa and a peak displacement of 0.74 mm, with stress concentrations consistently localised at the retainer–pontic connector region. Inclusion of the PDL markedly affected the mechanical response, doubling denture displacement in simplified comparative models. Among the simplified configurations, V4, which preserved cortical morphology and PDL representation while omitting detailed trabecular architecture, showed the closest agreement with the reference model, with mean deviations of 6.1% and 5.8% under the two loading conditions, respectively. These findings suggest that patient-specific NURBS–FEA modelling provides a robust framework for biomechanical assessment of tooth-supported FPDs, while controlled simplification may improve computational efficiency without substantially compromising accuracy under static loading conditions.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · Dental materials and restorations · Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos körút 64–66, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
Department of Innovative Vehicles and Materials, GAMF Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, John von Neumann University, Izsáki út 10., H-6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
Department of Machine and Product Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
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