3D Virtual Model Simulation: Applications for Dento-Facial

Deformities

Yassir Sabri

, Zaoui Fatima

, Boudi El Mostapha

and Benyahia Hicham

PhD Student CEDOC SVS, Faculty of Dentistry, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco

Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mohammadia School of Engineering, Mohammed V University in Rabat,

Morocco

Keywords: Biomechanical FEM Simulation, DICOM, 3D Modelling, Orthodontic Tooth Movement, Biomechanics.

Abstract: Nowadays, virtual treatment planning allows clinicians to create detailed, patient-specific workflows through

digital simulations. This improves the accuracy of treatment plans and leads to an efficient, and patient-centric

care. In dentistry, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing CAD/CAM systems enable

digital design and fabrication of a all kind of oral devices like surgical guides for implant placement, or

orthodontic clear aligners. In the present paper, a 3D model will be created in order to be used to understand

orthodontic loadings effects on tooth movement and adjacent structures. Material and method: Cranio-facial

imaging data (Dicom) was used to creat a 3D model of a partial dento-alveolar model. All materials (teeth,

PDL and alveolar bone) were considered having isotropic linear elastic properties. Results: the 3 D model

will be used to realize a simulation by finite element method using more than 77158 second-order Lagrangian

tetrahedral elements. Discussion & Conclusion: The application of 3D virtual model in the context of dento-

facial deformities offers numerous advantages for diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient communication,

clinicians may be able to develop more effective and mechanically sound treatments with the use of numerical

simulation.

1 INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the integration of digital technologies

in the medical field has revolutionized patient care.

Advanced digital tools provide healthcare

professionals with a powerful means to simulate and

address various medical situations (J. S. Shinbane and

L. A. Saxon, 2018), (P. Riutord-Sbert et al., 2023).

In dentistry, there are many applications based on

digital technologies, in particular virtual treatment

planning, meaning the ability for dental clinicians to

create detailed, patient-specific workflows. This not

only improves the accuracy of treatment plans but

also allows for a more personalized approach, and for

efficient, and patient-centric care (J. S. Shinbane and

L. A. Saxon, 2018), (“Aplicación del metaverso como

técnica de aprendizaje en el grado de odontología.

Estudio preliminar”), (L. Camardella et al., 2016).

Digital radiography, including intraoral and

extraoral X-rays in particular: Cone Beam Computed

Tomography (CBCT), provides three-dimensional

images of oral structures, enabling detailed

assessment for treatment planning in areas like

implant placement, oral surgery, and orthodontics (R.

Urban et al., 2023), (H. W. Moon et al., 2020).

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided

Manufacturing CAD/CAM systems enable the digital

design and fabrication of classical dental restorations

such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, as well as a new

array of oral devices like surgical guides for implant

placement, or orthodontic clear aligners (A.

Skorulska et al., 2021).

The application of 3D virtual model in the context

of dento-facial deformities offers numerous

advantages for diagnosis, treatment planning, and

patient communication. Surgeons and orthodontists

can use 3D virtual model for digital simulations based

on High-resolution imaging providing detailed

representations of teeth and craniofacial structures to

create patient-specific treatment plans.

The aim of our study is to generate a dento-

alveolar virtual model from acurate imaging data

(Dicom).

Sabri, Y., Fatima, Z., El Mostapha, B. and Hicham, B.

3D Virtual Model Simulation: Applications for Dento-Facial Deformities.

DOI: 10.5220/0012866300003854

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 1st International e-Health Forum (IeHF 2023), pages 25-28

ISBN: 978-989-758-711-5

Figure 1: Different applications of digital technologies in

Dentistry.

2 MATERIAL AND METHODS

2.1 DICOM Data

A maxilla cone beam CT file (in DICOM format) was

selected from imaging database of orthodontic

department (CCTD CHIS Rabat), respecting several

criteria: no previous orthodontic or orthopedic

treatment histories, no craniofacial anomalies, no

previously reported or observed dental treatment or

anatomical defects on the canine incisors segment.

Table 1: Mechanical Proprieties of Materials.

Anatomic element

Young’s

module

(MPa)

Poisson’s

coefficient

Thickness

(mm)

Bone

2000

0.30

Periodontal ligament

0,68

048

0.2

Tooth

20000

0.15

Material of bracket

200000

0.3

The conebeam selected belong to a 13-year-old

girl, who was treated for maxillary bilateral second

premolars impaction (Conebeam equipment:

resolution of approximately 150-300m/pixel. Myray

Hyperion X9 3d, NNT viewer was utilised to process

the CT images).

Figure 2: CT images captured in DICOM format and ROI.

2.2 3D Modelling

Region of interest (ROI): for this preliminary study,

we focused on left maxillary canine and incisors, a

segment of three teeth: 2.1., 2.2., 2.3 as shown in

fig.1. It’s a simple partial model to test orthodontic

load on a single tooth (2.2) and reaction effects on

adjacent ones.

The CT images were segmented on invesalus

software*, by defining thresholds separately for both

teeth and bone based on their respective Hounsfield

unit (HU). 2 masks (STL format) were then created

and further processed on Catia v5 (*), to create the 3D

solid model.

The process consists of several stages: including

surface refinement, mask filling, PDL modelling by

virtual reconstruction from the external radicular

surface of teeth, and orthodontic brackets design.

3 RESULTS

Figure 3: Decomposition of study system.

IeHF 2023 - International e-Health Forum

The 3D model will be used to realize a simulation

by finite element method using more than 77158

second-order Lagrangian tetrahedral elements.

Figure 4: Study model with bracket.

We will apply a force of 2N to study dentofacial

deformities.

Figure 5: Preliminary study: distal orthodontic force on

canine bracket.

4 CONCLUSIONS

The applications of 3D virtual model in order to

realize FE simulation will help us to study dento-

facial deformities for advancement in treatment

planning and patient care.

As technology continues to advance, the potential

for virtual simulations in medical and dental

treatment remains limitless, promising a future of

healthcare where innovation and precision converge

for the benefit of patients and practitioners.

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