Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1370-1373, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Finite element method simulation of bone resorption beneath a complete denture
Y. Maeda and W. W. Wood
Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Bone resorption beneath a maxillary complete denture was simulated by the
finite element method, assuming that a threshold of compressive strain
exists in the alveolar bone above which the resorption occurred. The
pattern of predicted resorption was observed when 100 N of force was
applied to three positions occlusally, and 20 N was applied facially.
Moreover, we observed the effect of rebasing the denture after initial
resorption. The results indicate that resorption was initiated on the
facial and occlusal surfaces of the alveolar ridge and proceeded palatally.
The resorption was greater as the occlusal load point moved facially and
when the force was applied in the facial direction. When the load point was
toward the facial, rebasing the denture accentuated the resorption, but
when the load point was toward the palatal, the resorption was almost the
same regardless of rebase. The pattern of simulated bone resorption was
similar to that reported from clinical observations, which suggests that
the resorption may be associated with compressive strains developed in the
alveolar bone. The results argue for the importance of occlusal adjustment
of dentures to move the occlusal load point palatally and produce balanced
occlusion in protrusion and lateral excursions, especially after a rebase
procedure.
