[The analysis of the maxillary complete denture and its underlying supporting tissues with three dimensional finite element method under the vertical occlusal force in centric occlusion].

A 3-dimensional finite element method was employed in this study to investigate the stress and displacement states of the maxillary complete denture and its underlying supporting tissues under the vertical occlusal force in centric occlusion. The calculation results show that the harmful transverse tension stresses within the base are concentrated on the maxillary incisor regions and its palatal area near the polishing surface. Pressure is exerted over most of the area of the jaw bone cortical surface and the compression stress is strongly concentrated over the alveolar ridge. The posterior palatal area of the denture base migrates away from the mucosa membrane and the other parts press the underlying tissues. These results indicate the biomechanical mechanism of the maxillary denture fracture and alveolar ridge resorption.