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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Maxillary expansion treatment using bone anchors: development and validation of a 3D finite element model
Y Fang1, M O Lagravère, J P R Carey
1Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. yif@ualberta.ca
Objective:
Develop a finite element (FE) model of a skull to perform biomechanical studies of maxillary expansion using bone anchors (BA).
Materials And Methods:
A skull model was developed and assigned material properties based on Hounsfield unit (HU) values of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images. A 3 mm diameter cylindrical BA was modelled and inserted in the palatal bone. A 4 mm transverse displacement was applied on the anchor. An evaluation on the effect on local stresses of BA implantation inclination angle was performed.
Results:
Proper displacement results and strain-stress trends for the expansion process were present. Stress distribution patterns were similar as reported in the literature. No significant difference between BA inclination angles was found.
Conclusion:
This work leads to a better understanding and prediction of craniofacial and maxillary bone remodelling during ME with BA treatments and is a first step towards the development of patient specific treatments.
