Biomechanical Effects of Novel Osteotomy Approaches on Mandibular Expansion: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Purpose Surgically assisted mandibular arch expansion has proved to be an effective treatment modality in alleviating constriction and crowding issues. However, only mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis has been in favor for the purpose of mandibular arch expansion. In addition, no relevant study has compared the biomechanical response of different osteotomy designs on mandibular expansion. The present study evaluated the effect of different osteotomy approaches and modes of loading on the expansion of the adult mandible using biomechanics. Materials and Methods To address the research purpose, 9 finite element (FE) models, including 2 novel osteotomy designs, were simulated. Stress, strain, and displacement of crown, root, and bone were calculated and compared under different osteotomy approaches and loading conditions. Results The biomechanical response envisaged by the FE models in terms of displacement on the X axis was consistent from the anterior to posterior teeth with parasymphyseal step osteotomy and a hybrid mode of force application. In addition, the amount of displacement predicted by parasymphyseal step osteotomy with the hybrid mode was greater compared with that of the other models. Conclusions The results of our study suggest parasymphyseal step osteotomy with the hybrid mode is a viable treatment option for true bony expansion in the adult mandible.