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Occlusal forces and mandibular bone strain: is the primate jaw "overdesigned"?
1Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8277, USA.
Journal of Human Evolution
|February 19, 1998
Summary
Finite element analysis suggests mandibular bone strains are significant in both alveolar and basal regions. This challenges the idea that only the alveolar process is functionally important for chewing and biting mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Dental research
- Skeletal biology
Background:
- Previous models suggested basal mandibular bone strains are functionally unimportant.
- This implied mandibular size and shape are not linked to masticatory forces.
- This view is challenged by new biomechanical evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hypothesis that biomechanical effects of mastication are localized in the alveolar process.
- To investigate strain distribution in the mandible during function.
- To reassess the functional significance of mandibular corpus size and shape.
Main Methods:
- Finite element modeling of mandibular function.
- Analysis of experimental bone strain investigations.
- Consideration of bone biology and behavior.
Main Results:
- Alveolar and basal mandibular bone experience significant strains.
- Large strains are observed in regions distant from the loaded alveolus.
- Both bone types are subjected to bending and twisting strains from multiple forces.
Conclusions:
- Strain levels in alveolar and basal bone may be similar, contradicting some models.
- It is premature to disconnect mandibular size and shape from chewing and biting biomechanics.
- Further research is needed to fully understand mandibular functional adaptation.