OBJECTIVETo establish anisotropic mandible model with dental implants and to investigate the effect of anisotropy material on stress and strain distribution of implant-bone interface.

METHODSThree-dimensional finite element models of whole mandible with anisotropic and equivalent isotropic material were created by CT scanning and universal surgical integration system (USIS) software developed by the authors. Two ITI threaded implants were implanted in the posterior teeth area. The values of principal stress and principal strain on the bone around dental implants were calculated in two different finite element models with buccolingual load.

RESULTSIn the anisotropic mandible model, nearly all values of the principal stress and principal strain on cortical and cancellous bone increased compared with the equivalent isotropy model, 2.1%-74.1% for principal stress and 4.7%-57.3% for principal strain, but 10. 3%-71.4% for principal stress and 19.5%-63.4% for principal strain on cancellous bone.

CONCLUSIONSIn the three-dimensional finite element analysis, anisotropic mandible model with dental implants has an apparent effect on the stress and strains of the implant-bone interface. Anisotropic mechanical properties of mandible should be emphasized in biomechanical study.