Tooth Model in Orthodontics and Prosthodontics

This chapter focuses on two specific fields: orthodontics and prosthodontics. Although finite element analysis (FEA) as a numerical technique has been widely used in the field of dental biomechanics to assess engineering and biomechanical problems, new methods should be developed to offer a more detailed understanding of the alveolar bone response to dental treatment. This chapter reviews the development and application of bone remodeling simulation techniques in the field of dentistry. Three numerical models are presented to illustrate the role of bone remodeling simulations in the dental biomechanical research. In the study of orthodontic tooth movement, both external and internal remodeling mechanisms were incorporated into the tooth movement algorithms to predict the position of the tooth and changes in alveolar bone density. In the study of internal bone architecture around dental implants, the morphology of trabeculae was reconstructed using combined bone remodeling simulation techniques. In the case of alveolar bone remodeling induced by implant-supported restorations, the different bone response induced by different dental restorations was assessed. It is hoped that such simulation methodology can be helpful in improving the effectiveness and reliability of future dental treatments.