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remodeling simulations in the field of dentistry (Field et al. 2009; Lin et al. 2009; Lin et al.
2010). A numerical simulation undertaken by Wang et al. (2013) investigated dental bone
remodeling induced by an implant-supported fixed partial denture with and without a
cantilever.
On the other hand, Beaupre et al. suggested that tooth movement is controlled predomi-
nantly by mechanical deformations of the periodontal ligament (PDL) (Beaupre, Orr, and
Carter 1990a, 1990b). Schneider et al. revealed that it is possible to integrate a mechanical
bone-remodeling algorithm into a realistic three-dimensional tooth and jawbone model
(Schneider, Geiger, and Sander 2002). For development of the bone remodeling algorithms,
a real model (CT image data) of the individual tooth was developed to increase the accu-
racy of the model. Subsequently, Marangalou et al. constructed a computational model
to calculate the rate of orthodontic tooth bodily movement (Marangalou, Ghalichi, and
Mirzakouchaki 2009). The normal strain of the PDL was employed as the key mechani-
cal stimulus for alveolar bone remodeling (Bourauel et al. 1999). Based on the external
bone remodeling mechanism, Qian et al. developed a numerical model to reproduce an
orthodontic treatment for mandibular canine tipping and predicted tooth bodily movement
(Qian et al. 2008; Qian, Liu, and Fan 2010). More recently a set of computational algo-
rithms incorporating both external and internal remodeling mechanisms was implemented
into a patient-specific three-dimensional FE model to investigate and analyze orthodontic
treatment under four typical modes of orthodontic loading (Wang, Han et al. 2012).
2.
Microscale model
: At the micro level, FE models are more concerned with the morphology
of bony trabeculae around the dental implants. Recently, Hasan et al. (2012) applied a set
of bone remodeling algorithms to predict the distribution of bone trabeculae around a den-
tal implant. In an idealized bone segment, an FE model of a screw-shaped dental implant
was tested. The model succeeded in achieving a trabeculae-like structure around the
osseointegrated dental implants. Meanwhile, bone remodeling simulations by Wang and
Fan predicted the evolution of the architecture around four implant systems using a novel
model that combines both adaptive and microdamage mechanisms (Wang, Wang et al.
2012). The proposed algorithms were shown to be effective in simulating the remodeling
process of the trabecular architecture.
The above simulation research can offer a deeper understanding of complex problems in the field
of dental biomechanics, such as the bone-implant interaction and the response of natural dentition
under different types of loadings. This numerical approach provides bioengineers and dentists with
a useful tool for investigating the problems pertaining to the biomechanical response of dental
implants and natural teeth. In this chapter, three simulation cases are presented to illustrate the role
of bone remodeling numerical technology in the field of dental biomechanics.
20.2 model develoPment
This section details the process of model development. Generally speaking, there are two main
steps. The first step is to build a patient-specific FE model of the jawbone, natural tooth, and dental
implant. The second step is to incorporate bone-remodeling algorithms into the application of the
FE model.
20.2.1 f
finite
e
lement
m
odel
of
tHe
J
aWBone
, n
atural
t
ootH
,
and
d
ental
i
implant
First, a set of CT images was obtained for bone geometry. Based on these images, a three-dimensional
model of maxillary bone and mandibular bone was constructed. The CT images consisted of 652
transversal sections with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm and a pixel width of 0.398 mm. The geometrical
shapes of bones and teeth were developed in MIMICS 10.0 (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). The PDL
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