Micro-CT 영상을 이용한 치아 3차원 모델링 및 유한요소분석에의 적용

Abstract

The biomechanical research of dental structure is required for surgery prediction and to get optimal surgical result. However, the anatomical environment of the oral cavity cannot be monitored and measured using in vivo models. Virtual models and simulation approaches using computer and it's application to finite element analysis have been utilized to overcome these problems. The aim of this study is to reconstruct a 3 dimensional tooth model from micro-computerized tomography (Micro-CT, Tech Valley co., Ltd,) images and to evaluate 3 dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) using computerized 3 dimensional tooth model. This study presents a method to utilize stereolithography (STL) and auto meshing to reconstruct 3-dimensional models of teeth based on images of each cross-sectional slices and restorative conditions using the edit tool of MIMICS software (Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System). The stereolithography (STL) files of teeth surfaces were then remeshed to reduce mesh density and were smoothed out to generate an optimized image. Boolean operations were done to simulate cavity preparation and restorations using SolidWorks？？ Office Premium 2007 (Dissault Systems SolidWorks Corp.,) and Autodesk Inventor？？ Professional 11 (Autodesk, Inc.,). The optimized STL files of the 3D tooth models were imported into the finite element analysis software, CosmosWorks (Structural Research & Analysis Corp., USA). 3D solid models of a maxillary central incisor and a maxillary first molar were subjected to FEA. The 3D FEA was done using optimal and detailed 3D tooth model from micro-CT images. With the aid of digital CT and sophisticated computer softwares, a computer 3D model can be constructed with a better structural similarity to real oral structures. In comparison to existing research, this method gives higher quality reproducible results, and is more time efficient. This method can easily be used for variety of dental field and other bioengineering applications.