Generation of historical mandible landmarks for orthodontic treatment using genetic algorithm and finite element method

Contemporary cephalometric imaging in dental orthodontic treatment uses anatomical features on X-ray images for analysis; however, the available features are limited. The mandible, for example, has a simple structure compared to that of the maxilla, and all the analytical features are distributed on the outer edge. The aims of this study are to simulate the growth process of the mandible based on the relevant orthodontic surveys and through a finite element analysis using ANSYS software, to calculate the optimum growth parameters using genetic algorithms, and to establish new features in the absence of anatomical structure. This study proposes a calculation method for establishing new features, and provides more comprehensive information for pretreatment diagnosis in orthodontics.