Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are a lot of biomechanical problems in stomatology. Finite element method is an effective tool to numerically simulate the mechanical behavior of human; it has more wide application in the dental biomechanics.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress in the application of finite element method to solve biomechanical problems in orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral implantology, oral and maxillofacial surgery and other fields.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of PubMed and VIP databases was performed for articles related to the application of finite element method in dental biomechanics, published between January 1995 and October 2011, with the key words of “finite element analysis (FEA)”, “oral cavity” and “biomechanics” in English and Chinese.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The stress analysis of oral cavity structure, shape, load and mechanical properties of materials can be performed using finite element analysis; the stress value and displacement value of any part of the model can be gained and the solving process is rapid and accurate with the aid of a computer. The finite element analysis can reflect the stress distribution objectively, accurately and veritably; it provides the mechanical foundation for the research of relevant basic problems in the stomatology, the solution of clinical practical problems in the stomatology and the technical development of dental clinical practice; it provides reference for the further investigation of treatment of oral disease.