Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) aims to increase skeletal width in mature patients.
• Asymmetric palatal expansion occurs in over 7% of SARPE cases, necessitating revision surgery.
• Existing finite element models inadequately simulate clinical expansion amounts, limiting understanding of asymmetric outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, validated finite element model for simulating clinically relevant SARPE expansion.
• To analyze the three-dimensional expansion patterns of hemimaxillae under varying buccal osteotomy configurations.

Main Methods:

• A 3D skull model from CBCT data was segmented and mirrored to create a symmetrical maxillary complex.
• A Haas expander was virtually placed on maxillary premolars and molars.
• Finite element analysis in Ansys simulated SARPE with varied buccal osteotomy angles and 1 mm clearance, achieving at least 6 mm total expansion.

Main Results:

• The study established a foundation for evaluating buccal osteotomy angulation's impact on SARPE expansion patterns.
• The developed model allows for analysis of hemimaxillae expansion in all three dimensions.

Conclusions:

• This novel finite element model provides a robust platform for investigating the biomechanical factors influencing SARPE outcomes.
• Further research using this model can elucidate the causes of asymmetric expansion and optimize surgical planning.