Finite Element Method in Orthodontics

The Finite Element Method is an engineering resource used to calculatestress and deformations in complex structures.FEM has been applied in many studies of various areas of Dentistry. This can be attributed to mechanical engineering principles that are present in these specialties, favouring the use of finite element modelling in dentistry.Finite element modelling can be applied in three areas of biomechanics: analysis of the skeleton, analysis and design of orthopaedic devices and analysis of tissue growth, remodelling and degeneration. The FEM can also be applicable to the problem of stress strain levels induced in internal structures. This method also has the potential for equivalent mathematical modelling of a real object of complicated shape and different materials. Thus, FEM offers an ideal method for accurate modelling of the tooth and periodontium with its complicated 3- dimensional geometry and helps study the effect of various orthodontic procedures on it. The purpose of this book is to illustrate in detail the various applications of Finite element method in orthodontics.