International Journal of Health Sciences

Stress Distribution and Displacement Analysis during a Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion using a Bone-Borne Device a Finite Element Study
Flávio Henrique Silveira Tomazi DDS, MSc; Claiton Heitz, DDS, PhD; Ricardo Augusto Conci DDS, PhD; Eduardo Rolim Teixeira DDS, PhD; Pedro Yoshito Noritomi DDS, PhD

Abstract
Introduction: The surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a method used for transverse maxillary correction in non-growing individuals or patients who have not achieved successful results with previous conventional treatments. There are several devices associated with SARME. The most common are the Hyrax and Hass expansion appliances. Bone-borne devices have also been reported; however, their high cost often makes their use unfeasible. Methods: Geometrical structures of the maxilla, skull, and bone-borne device were constructed. All materials were assumed to be homogeneous, isotropic, and to have linear elasticity. The maxilla was separated from the skull through a Le Fort I osteotomy and the intermaxillary suture was separated through a mid-sagittal osteotomy. The appliance was activated by 1 mm and the data were graphically analyzed. Results: The highest concentration of applied force was found on the contact region between the plate and the bone, as well as on the uppermost part of the hard palate. We also observed a larger opening in the anterior region in comparison with the posterior region, leading to a “V”-shaped opening.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v5n4a7