Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint after mandibular protraction: a 3-dimensional finite element study. Part 2.

Introduction: Patterns of stress generation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after mandibular protraction with a construction bite of 5 mm advancement and 4 mm opening were investigated by using a 3-dimensional finite element method; the results were reported in Part 1. In Part 2, the effects of varying the construction bite are reported.

Methods: A 3-dimensional computer-aided design model was developed from the magnetic resonance images of a growing boy (age, 12 years), by using I-DEAS NX (version 11.

Stress distribution in the temporomandibular joint after mandibular protraction: a 3-dimensional finite element method study. Part 1.

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate patterns of stress generation in the temporomandibular joint after mandibular protraction, by using a 3-dimensional finite element method. The results of the initial investigation are reported here in Part 1. The effects of varying the construction bite are reported in Part 2.