| Abstrak/Abstract |
This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to examine the scar contracture effect on the biomechanics and post-expansion of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). A 3D model of the maxilla from CBCT scan images of young UCLP patients and RPE was built and processed into the FEA. The simulation used three forces: the expansion force, the upper lip tension, and the scar tension, and was assessed in two time periods: simulation I, in which all forces were applied, and simulation II, which referred to the removal of the expansion force. The displacement and stress distribution were observed in three axes within particular regions of interest, including the anterior, posterior, and mid-palatal regions of both the cleft and non-cleft sides. According to the results from the first simulation, the highest displacement was found in the palatal alveolar of anterior teeth. The maximum stress was noted in the palatal alveolar of posterior teeth. In the second simulation, the highest displacement and the maximum stress occurred in region of the palatinal suture from anterior to posterior |
