ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to explore suppositional sutural construction and protraction in the three-dimensional finite element model of craniofacial complex.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Combining spiral CT scanning technology with the three-dimensional finite element method, three-dimensional FEM model of craniofacial complex was developed for analysis. In the model, craniofacial sutures were constructed through the MSC. Patran program and different mechanical properties of sutures were applied. Under the same loading condition, bone displacements of the maxilla were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A three-dimensional FE model of craniofacial complex, comprising teeth and craniofacial sutures, was developed. The displacement of the skeletal structures with sutures was significantly larger than that without sutures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The construction of craniofacial sutures in the three-dimensional finite element model of craniofacial complex could improve the accuracy of finite element model, which set up good foundation for biomechanical studies of craniofacial complex.</p>