Stresses on the cervical column associated with vertical occlusal alteration

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthodontics
• Spinal Anatomy

Background:

• Mastication generates forces that transmit through the jaw to the cervical spine.
• Understanding these biomechanical effects is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions related to occlusal alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical influences of vertical occlusal alterations on the cervical vertebral column (C1-C7).
• To analyze stress distribution patterns within the cervical spine under different occlusal conditions using finite element analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) to model the cervical spine (C1-C7).
• Constructed three FEMs representing a normal, steep, and flat occlusal plane.
• Simulated and analyzed occlusal stress distribution patterns across the cervical column for each model.

Main Results:

• Occlusal stress distribution varied significantly among the three models.
• Steeper occlusal planes resulted in stress extending towards the anterior cervical areas.
• Stress converged at the odontoid process in normal and steep occlusal models.
• Model C (flat occlusal plane) showed concentrated stress at C5, while Model B (steep) showed decreased stress at C7 compared to Model A (normal).

Conclusions:

• Vertical occlusal alterations demonstrably influence stress distribution within the cervical vertebral columns.
• Specific occlusal plane configurations can lead to concentrated stress at different cervical levels, particularly C5.
• Findings support the hypothesis that occlusal changes have biomechanical consequences for the cervical spine.