Location of the centre of resistance for the nasomaxillary complex studied in a three-dimensional finite element model.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the location of the centre of resistance (CRe) for the nasomaxillary complex by the use of finite element analysis. A three-dimensional finite element model of the craniofacial complex, consisting of 2918 nodes and 1776 elements, was used for displacement analyses. Anteriorly and inferiorly directed forces of 9.8 N were applied at five different levels, parallel and perpendicular to the functional occlusal plane, respectively. For each loading condition, horizontal and vertical displacements of eight anatomic points in the complex and on the maxillary dentition were analysed. The complex exhibited an almost translatory displacement of approximately 1.0 microns in the forward direction when the horizontal force was applied at a point on the horizontal plane, passing through the superior ridge of the pterygomaxillary fissure, whereas the complex experienced clockwise or counter clockwise rotation when the forces were applied at the remaining levels. Furthermore, the downward forces produced anteriorly upward, or posteriorly upward rotation. However, the force applied at a point on the vertical plane passing through the posterior wall of the pterygomaxillary fissure, produced almost equal displacements of approximately 6.0 microns in an inferior direction for all the anatomic points. It is suggested that CRe of the nasomaxillary complex is located on the posterosuperior ridge of the pterygomaxillary fissure, registered on the median sagittal plane.