The influences of the stress distribution on the condylar cartilage surface by Herbst appliance under various bite reconstruction--a three dimensional finite element analysis

OBJECTIVE: The distribution of stress on the surface of condylar cartilage was investigated. METHODS: Three-dimensional model of the 'Temporomandibular joint mandible Herbst appliance system' was set up by SUPER SAP software (version 9.3). On this model, various bite reconstruction was simulated according to specified advanced displacement and vertical bite opening. The distribution of maximum and minimum principal stress on the surface of condylar cartilage were computerized and analyzed. RESULTS: When Herbst appliance drove the mandible forward, the anterior condyle surface was compressed while the posterior surface was drawn. The trend of stress on the same point on the condyle surface was consistent in various reconstruction conditions, but the trend of stress on various point were different in same reconstruction conditions. CONCLUSION: All five groups of bite reconstruction (3-7 mm advancement, 4-2 mm vertical bite opening of the mandible) designed by this study can be selected in clinic according to the patient's capability of adaptation, the extent of malocclusion and the potential and direction of growth.