RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop an effective and feasible method to construct three-dimensional finite element model of the whole edentulous maxilla and cranial skeleton.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on three-dimensional computer aided design model which was constructed by multi-slices helical CT scanning data of a male's head in specialized software, three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxillary and cranial skeleton was established; the stresses distribution in maxilla was investigated under occlusal load with computer simulated a complete overdenture.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxilla and cranial skeleton had favorite similarity in geometry, the distributions of stresses in maxilla and the wall of maxillary sinus could be clearly observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The study verifies that this three-dimensional finite element modeling method is feasible and effective.</p>