Nonlinear finite element analysis of a splinted implant with various connectors and occlusal forces

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanics in an implant/tooth-supported system under different occlusal forces with rigid and nonrigid connectors by adopting a nonlinear finite element (FE) approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A model containing 1 Frialit-2 implant (placed in the second molar position) splinted to the mandibular second premolar was constructed. Nonlinear contact elements were used to simulate a realistic interface fixation between the implant body and abutment screw and the sliding keyway stress-breaker function. Stress distributions in the splinting system with rigid and nonrigid connectors were observed when vertical forces were applied to the tooth, pontic, implant abutment, or complete prosthesis in 10 simulated models. RESULTS: The displacement obtained from the natural tooth increased 11 times than that of the implant, and the peak stress values within the implant system (sigmaI, max) increased significantly when vertical forces acted only on the premolar of a fixed prosthesis with a rigid connector. The sigmaI, max values seen in the splinting prosthesis were not significantly different when vertical forces (50 N) were applied to the pontic, molar (implant) only, or the entire prosthesis, respectively, regardless of whether rigid or nonrigid connectors were used. Moreover, the peak stress values in the implant system and prosthesis were significantly reduced in single- or multiple-contact situations once vertical forces on the pontic were decreased. DISCUSSION: The compensatory mechanism between the implant components and keyway sliding function of the implant/tooth-supported prosthesis could be realistically simulated using nonlinear contact FE analysis. The nonrigid connector (keyway device) significantly exploited its function only when the splinting system received light occlusal forces. CONCLUSION: Minimization of the occlusal loading force on the pontic area through occlusal adjustment procedures to redistribute stress within the implant system in the maximum intercuspation position for an implant/tooth-supported prosthesis is recommended.     

Mechanical interactions of an implant/tooth-supported system under different periodontal supports and number of splinted teeth with rigid and non-rigid connections

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the mechanical interactions of implant-teeth splinting systems under different periodontal supports and number of splinted teeth with rigid and non-rigid connectors using non-linear finite element (FE) approach. METHODS: Two FE models with normal and compromised periodontal supports containing a Frialit-2 implant splinted to the first and second premolars were constructed. Non-linear contact elements were used to simulate a realistic interface fixation within the implant system and the sliding function of the non-rigid connector. ANOVA was used to test for relative importance of the investigated factors and main effects for each level of the three investigated factors (periodontal supports, teeth splinting and connector designs) in terms of the stress values were performed. RESULTS: The simulated results indicated that the cross-interaction of the periodontal support and the splinting situation was a major factor affecting the stress value in alveolar bone. An additional splinting decreased the stress values of bone significantly for a compromised periodontal support. The individual factor of periodontal support also influenced the stress found in the alveolar bone (28%) and implant (72%), and the stress values increased when the periodontal support was reduced. Using different connectors affected the stresses found in bone (15%), implant (21%) and prosthesis (99%). The stress values of the implant and prosthesis increased, but were decreased in bone when the splinting system used non-rigid connectors. The mobility of natural teeth and the implant system between non-rigid and rigid connections showed only small differences. CONCLUSIONS: A non-rigid connector should be used with caution since it breaks the stress transfer and increases the unfavorable stress values in the implant system and prosthesis. The tooth/implant-supported system with an additional splinting is more efficient in compromised periodontal supports.     

Survival and complication rates of combined tooth-implant-supported fixed partial dentures

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study has been to review the incidence of biological and technical complications in case of tooth-implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) treatments on the basis of survival data regarding clinical cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the treatment documentations of a Bundeswehr dental clinic (Cologne-Wahn German Air Force Garrison), the medical charts of 83 patients with tooth-implant-supported FPDs were completely recorded. The median follow-up time was 4.73 (time range: 2.2-8.3) years. In the process, survival curves according to Kaplan and Meier were applied in addition to frequency counts. RESULTS: A total of 84 tooth-implant (83 patients) connected prostheses were followed (132 abutment teeth, 142 implant abutments (Branemark, Straumann). FPDs: the time-dependent illustration reveals that after 5 years, as many as 10% of the tooth-implant-supported FPDs already had to be subjected to a technical modification (renewal (n=2), reintegration (n=4), veneer fracture (n=5), fracture of frame (n=2)). In contrast to non-rigid connection of teeth and implants, technical modification measures were rarely required in case of tooth-implant-supported FPDs with a rigid connection. There was no statistical difference between technical complications and the used implant system. Abutment teeth and implants: during the observation period, none of the functionally loaded implants (n=142) had to be removed. Three of the overall 132 abutment teeth were lost because of periodontal inflammation. The time-dependent illustration reveals, that after 5 years as many as 8% of the abutment teeth already required corresponding therapeutic measures (periodontal treatment (5%), filling therapy (2.5%), endodontic treatment (0.5%)). After as few as 3 years, the connection related complications of implant abutments (abutment or occlusal screw loosening, loss of cementation) already had to be corrected in approximately 8% of the cases. In the utilization period there was no screw or abutment fracture. CONCLUSION: Technical complications of implant-supported FPDs are dependent on the different bridge configurations. When using rigid functional connections, similarly favourable values will be achieved as in case of solely implant-supported FPDs. In this study other characteristics like different fixation systems (screwed vs. cemented) or various implant systems had no significant effect to the rate of technical complications.     

ALL-CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN-FUSED-TO-METAL FIXED PARTIAL DENTURES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BY 2D FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSES

All-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have an esthetic approach for oral rehabilitation. However, metal-ceramic FPDs are best indicated in the posterior area where the follow-up studies found a lower failure rate. This 2D finite element study compared the stress distribution on 3-unit all-ceramic and metal-ceramic FPDs and identified the areas of major risk of failure. Three FPD models were designed: (1) metal-ceramic FPD; (2) All-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain on the occlusal and cervical surface of the abutment tooth; (3) All-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain only on the occlusal surface. A 100 N load was applied in an area of 0.5 mm² on the working cusps, following these simulations: (1) on the abutment teeth and the pontic; (2) only on the abutment teeth; and (3) only on the pontic. Relative to the maximum stress values found for the physiological load, all-ceramic FPD with only occlusal veneering porcelain produced the lowest stress value (220 MPa), followed by all-ceramic FPD with cervical veneering porcelain (322 MPa) and metal-ceramic FPD (387 MPa). The stress distribution of the load applied on the abutments was significantly better compared to the other two load simulations. The highest principal stress values were low and limited in a small area for the three types of models under this load. When the load was applied on the pontic, the highest stress values appeared on the connector areas between the abutments and pontic. In conclusion, the best stress values and distribution were found for the all-ceramic FPD with the veneering porcelain only on the occlusal surface. However, in under clinical conditions, fatigue conditions and restoration defects must be considered.     

Finite element analysis of fixed partial denture replacement

The purpose of this study was to investigate, by means of the finite element method the mechanical behaviour of three designs of fixed partial denture (FPD) for the replacement of the maxillary first premolar in shortened dental arch therapy. Two-dimensional, linear, static finite element analyses were carried out to investigate the biomechanics of the FPDs and their supporting structures under different scenarios of occlusal loading. Displacement and stress distribution for each design of FPD were examined, with particular attention being paid to the stress variations along the retainer-abutment--and the periodontal ligament-bone interfaces. The results indicated that displacement and maximum principal stresses in the fixed-fixed, three-unit FPD were substantially less than those in the two-unit cantilever FPDs. Of the two cantilever FPDs investigated, the distal cantilever design was found to suffer less displacement and stresses than the mesial cantilever design under similar conditions of loading. The highest values for maximum principal stress in the cantilever FPDs were found within the connector between the pontic and the retainer, and within the periodontal ligament and adjacent bone on the aspect of the retainer away from the pontic.     

Photoelastic stress analysis of supporting alveolar bone as modified by nonrigid connectors

A two-dimensional photoelastic model was constructed to represent the mandible with a missing first premolar and first molar. The model contained a canine, second premolar, and second molar as abutment teeth supported by simulated periodontal ligament and photoelastic bone. Six FPDs were constructed, one of rigid design and five of nonrigid design with varying location and orientation of the nonrigid connector. Each of the six prostheses was subjected to six different loading conditions. Patterns of stress for each loading condition were recorded photographically and evaluated. This study indicated that the rigid FPD distributed stresses vertically and evenly. The nonrigid D of canine and nonrigid M of molar designs distributed stresses almost as well as the rigid FPD. They also resisted rotational movements and resultant horizontal stress better than other nonrigid designs. Compared with the other designs, prostheses with nonrigid connectors at the pier exhibited greater apical and horizontal stress particularly with one-point loading on the pier. Considering the limitations of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The pattern of stress is dependent on incorporation and location of a nonrigid connector. 2. The pattern of stress reflected the condition of loading. 3. The pattern of stress is independent of the orientation of the nonrigid connector at the distal aspect of the pier abutment. 4. The placement of a nonrigid connector at the mesial surface of the pier is least desirable.     

Role of implant configurations supporting three‐unit fixed partial denture on mandibular bone response: biological‐data‐based finite element study

Implant‐supported fixed partial denture with cantilever extension can transfer the excessive load to the bone around implants and stress/strain concentration potentially leading to bone resorption. This study investigated the effects of implant configurations supporting three‐unit fixed partial denture (FPD) on the stress and strain distribution in the peri‐implant bone by combining clinically measured time‐dependent loading data and finite element (FE) analysis. A 3‐dimensional mandibular model was constructed based on computed tomography (CT) images. Four different configurations of implants supporting 3‐unit FPDs, namely three implant‐supported FPD, conventional three‐unit bridge FPD, distal cantilever FPD and mesial cantilever FPD, were modelled. The FPDs were virtually inserted to the molar area in the mandibular FE models. The FPDs were loaded according to time‐dependent in vivo‐measured 3‐dimensional loading data during chewing. The von Mises stress (VMS) and equivalent strain (EQS) in peri‐implant bone regions were evaluated as mechanical stimuli. During the chewing cycles, the regions near implant necks and bottom apexes experienced high VMS and EQS than the middle regions in all implant‐supported FPD configurations. Higher VMS and EQS values were also observed at the implant neck region adjacent to the cantilever extension in the cantilevered configurations. The patient‐specific dynamic loading data and CT‐based reconstruction of full 3D mandibular allowed us to model the biomechanical responses more realistically. The results provided data for clinical assessment of implant configuration to improve longevity and reliability of the implant‐supported FPD restoration.     

3种不同内冠材料固定桥应力分布的有限元分析

目的：使用2维有限元模型分析3种不同底层冠材料的3单位固定桥中界面应力分布情况。方法：建立近远中向的2维下颌第一磨牙缺失3单位固定桥有限元模型,在有限元软件中设计3种不同底层冠材料和桥体咬合面饰瓷厚度。使用有限元分析计算底层冠与饰瓷界面的应力分布.结果：氧化锆底层冠表现出较金合金和二硅酸锂加强玻璃陶瓷更高的界面应力。咬合面饰瓷厚度增加时,交界面的压应力峰值趋向于减小。结论：总体上看,氧化锆底层冠在连接体和桥体底部比金合金和二硅酸锂加强玻璃陶瓷出现更高的应力集中区。     

Stress analysis of effects of nonrigid connectors on fixed partial dentures with pier abutments

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In some patients, the pattern of missing teeth may require the use of a fixed partial denture (FPD) with an intermediate pier abutment. Information is needed regarding the biomechanical behavior and the position of a nonrigid connector for this treatment option. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by means of finite element method (FEM), the effects of rigid and nonrigid design types on stress distribution for 5-unit FPDs with pier abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3-dimensional cross-section FEM model (SAP 2000) simulating a 5-unit metal ceramic FPD with a pier abutment with rigid or nonrigid designs (connector location at the mesial region of the second molar, at the distal region of the second premolar, at the mesial region of the second premolar, and at the distal region of the canine) was developed. In the model, the canine, second premolar, and second molar served as abutments. A supporting periodontal ligament and alveolar bone (cortical and trabecular) were modeled. A 50-N static vertical occlusal load was applied on the cusp of each abutment to calculate the stress distributions. Three different types of load were evaluated: loading of all cusps to simulate maximum centric occlusion contacts, loading of the canine to simulate a single anterior contact, and loading of the second molar to simulate a posterior contact. RESULTS: The analysis of the von Mises stress values revealed that maximum stress concentrations were located at the load areas for all models. Also, for all models, the highest stress values were located at connectors and cervical regions of abutment teeth, especially at the pier abutment. CONCLUSIONS: The area of maximum stress concentration at the pier abutment was decreased by the use of a nonrigid connector at the distal region of the second premolar.     

Effect of Framework Shape on the Fracture Strength of Implant-Supported All-Ceramic Fixed Partial Dentures in the Molar Region

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of the shape of the zirconium framework of implant-supported, all-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) on the fracture strength and fracture mode.
Materials and Methods: This study consisted of mechanical strength testing and 3D finite element analysis (FEA). The three framework shapes used in this study were: (1) conventional shape (control); (2) convex shape: 1.0-mm curve in the direction of the occlusal surface; and (3) concave shape: 1.0-mm curve in the direction of the gingival surface. Five frameworks were made for each condition (total: 15). A load (N) was applied until the FPD fractured. For FEA, a 3D model consisting of cortical bone, cancellous bone, implant bodies, and superstructure was constructed.
Results: The results of the mechanical strength test showed that fracture load was 916.0 ± 150.1 N for the conventional shape, 1690.5 ± 205.3 N for the convex shape, and 1515.5 ± 137.0 N for the concave shape. The mean final fracture load for the FPDs with frameworks was the highest for the convex shape; however, a critical crack in the veneer porcelain (736.5 ± 145.2 N) was confirmed during loading for the convex shape. Stress distribution maps for all conditions showed that tensile stress was generated at the veneer porcelain on the gingival side of the mesial and distal connectors of the pontic; however, there were differences in the maximum value and stress distribution within the framework.
Conclusion: The shape of the framework, particularly the shape of the pontic–connector interface, affects the stress distribution, fracture strength, and fracture mode of all-ceramic FPDs, and stress concentration inside a framework may induce cracking of layering porcelain.     

Structural optimization of the fibre-reinforced composite substructure in a three-unit dental bridge

IntroductionFailures of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made of fibre-reinforced composites (FRC) have been reported in many clinical and in vitro studies. The types of failure include debonding at the composite-tooth interface, delamination of the veneering material from the FRC substructure and fracture of the pontic. The design of the FRC substructure, i.e. the position and orientation of the fibres, will affect the fracture resistance of the FPD.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to find an optimal arrangement of the FRC substructure, by means of structural optimization, which could minimize the failure-initiating stresses in a three-unit FPD.MethodsA structural optimization method mimicking biological adaptive growth was developed for orthotropic materials such as FRC and incorporated into the finite element (FE) program ABAQUS. Using the program, optimization of the fibre positions and directions in a three-unit FPD was carried out, the aim being to align the fibre directions with those of the maximum principal stresses. The optimized design was then modeled and analyzed to verify the improvements in mechanical performance of the FPD.ResultsResults obtained from the optimization suggested that the fibres should be placed at the bottom of the pontic, forming a U-shape substructure that extended into the connectors linking the teeth and the pontic. FE analyses of the optimized design indicated stress reduction in both the veneering composite and at the interface between the veneer and the FRC substructure.SignificanceThe optimized design obtained using FE-based structural optimization can potentially improve the fracture resistance of FPDs by reducing some of the failure-initiating stresses. Optimization methods can therefore be a useful tool to provide sound scientific guidelines for the design of FRC substructures in FPDs.     

A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) after an observation period of at least 5 years. II. Combined tooth--implant-supported FPDs

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the 5- and 10-year survival of combined tooth-implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and the incidence of biological and technical complications. METHODS: An electronic MEDLINE search supplemented by manual searching was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective cohort studies on FPDs with a mean follow-up time of at least 5 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow-up visit. Assessment of the identified studies and data abstraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Failure and complication rates were analyzed using random-effects Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates of 5- and 10-year survival proportions. RESULTS: From a total of 3844 titles and 560 abstracts, 176 articles were selected for full-text analysis, and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of these studies indicated an estimated survival of implants in combined tooth-implant-supported FPDs of 90.1% (95 percent confidence interval (95% CI): 82.4-94.5%) after 5 and 82.1% (95% CI: 55.8-93.6%) after 10 years. The survival rate of FPDs was 94.1% (95% CI: 90.2-96.5%) after 5 and 77.8% (95% CI: 66.4-85.7%) after 10 years of function. There was no significant difference in survival of tooth and implant abutments in combined tooth-implant FPDs. After an observation period of 5 years, 3.2% (95% CI: 1.5-7.2%) of the abutment teeth and 3.4% (95% CI: 2.2-5.3%) of the functionally loaded implants were lost. After 10 years, the corresponding proportions were 10.6% (95% CI: 3.5-23.1%) for the abutment teeth and 15.6% (95% CI: 6.5-29.5%) for the implants. After a 5 year observation period, intrusion was detected in 5.2% (95% CI: 2-13.3%) of the abutment teeth. Intrusion of abutment teeth were almost exclusively detected among non-rigid connections. CONCLUSION: Survival rates of both implants and reconstructions in combined tooth-implant-supported FPDs were lower than those reported for solely implant-supported FPDs (Pjetursson et al. 2004). Hence, planning of prosthetic rehabilitation may preferentially include solely implant-supported FPDs. However, anatomical aspects, patient centered issues and risk assessments of the residual dentition may still justify combined tooth-implant-supported reconstructions. It was evident from the present search that tooth-implant-supported FPDs have not been studied to any great extent and hence, there is a definitive need for more longitudinal studies examining these reconstructions.     

Comparison of fiber reinforcement placed at different locations of pontic in interim fixed partial denture to prevent fracture: An in vitro study

Background:

The interim restoration is an important phase in fixed prosthodontic therapy. It should provide sufficient durability to withstand the forces of mastication. A fractured interim restoration is damaging to the prosthodontic care and may lead to an unscheduled appointment for repair. Several attempts have been made to reinforce interim fixed partial dentures (FPDs). These have included the use of metal wire, a lingual cast metal reinforcement, a processed acrylic resin interim restoration, and different types of fibers, e.g., carbon, polyethylene, nylon and glass. These fibers can be placed in the occlusal, middle or cervical thirds in the FPD. There is no scientific data to evaluate the effect of fiber placement methods on the fracture resistance of clinical interim FPDs.

Purpose of the Study:

Hence this study was designed to evaluate fracture load values of interim FPDs with different locations of fiber reinforcement.

Materials and Methods:

30 interim FPD samples with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) reinforced with fibers at three different locations mainly occlusal, cervical and middle (10 samples each) were fabricated using a metal FPD on a master die. They were tested for fracture resistance in universal testing machine.

Results:

The fracture resistance was recorded and is tabulated and analyzed statistically. The results showed that the placement of the reinforcement in the occlusal third of the pontic resulted in higher fracture resistance which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all other locations.

Conclusion:

The occlusal third of the pontic region from mesial to the distal end of the connector is the best site of placement of the fiber for reinforcing the PMMA interim restorative resin.Key Words: Fiber placement, fracture resistance, interim fixed partial denture, polymethyl methacrylate, reinforcements     

Clinical performance of a lithia disilicate-based core ceramic for three-unit posterior FPDs

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research project was to determine the clinical success rate of a lithia disilicate-based core ceramic for use in posterior fixed partial dentures (FPD) as a function of bite force, cement type, connector height, and connector width. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty ceramic FPD core frameworks were prepared using a heat-pressing technique and a lithia disilicate-based core ceramic. The maximum clenching force was measured for each patient prior to tooth preparation. Connector height and width were measured for each FPD. Patients were recalled yearly after cementation for 2 years and evaluated using 11 clinical criteria. All FPDs were examined by two independent clinicians, and rankings from 1 to 4 were made for each criterion (4 = excellent; 1 = unacceptable). RESULTS: Two of the 30 ceramic FPDs fractured within the 2-year evaluation period, representing a 93% success rate. One fracture was associated with a low occlusal force and short connector height (2.9 mm). The other fracture was associated with the greatest occlusal force (1,031 N) and adequate connector height. All criteria were ranked good to excellent during the 2-year recall for all remaining FPDs. CONCLUSION: The performance of the experimental core ceramic in posterior FPDs was promising, with only a 7% fracture rate after 2 years. Because of the limited sample size, it is not possible to identify the maximum clenching force that is allowable to prevent fracture caused by interocclusal forces.     

Comparisons of tactile thresholds between implant-supported fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures.

This study compared the tactile sensitivity of splinted abutment and denture teeth of 16 fixed partial dentures (FPD) supported by blade implants and 16 removable partial dentures (RPD) in patients with Kennedy Class I and Class II edentulous conditions. No significant differences were noted between the tactile thresholds of the natural abutment teeth and artificial teeth in the FPD and RPD groups. The splinted abutment teeth required 45.4 g, or 5.4 to 5.8 times higher occlusal loads than did those needed for the comparable nonsplinted teeth, to detect the stimulus. A further increase of 54% in thresholds with the FPD and over 100% with the placement of the RPD indicated the superiority of the RPD in terms of load distribution as a result of the cross-arch splinting and mucosal support. Moderate positive correlations (r = 0.37 to 0.46; P < .05) between tactile thresholds and masticatory performance were found, signifying that reduced tactile perception was not responsible for the incomplete restoration of the masticatory function with RPDs or FPDs but might be contributing to increased masticatory performance within both treatment groups.     

下颌固定义齿不同桥体跨度下受载的三维有限元分析

目的　分析当固定义齿桥体加长时修复体及其基牙支持组织的受力状况。方法　在建立下颌固定义齿三维有限元模型的基础上 ,将桥体的跨度分别加至原长的 2～ 4倍 ,施加相同大小的垂直向载荷 ,利用MARC软件计算并绘制各种情况下的应力分布图像。结果　当固定义齿桥体加长时 ,修复体受载后的应力分布情况不发生改变 ,但最大等效应力相应增加。当桥体跨度增加至原长的3倍时 ,最大VonMises应力为 2 11.30MPa(桥体加载 )。结论　桥体的跨度增加超过约 3个前磨牙宽度时 ,有可能会对修复体造成损害     

The effect of pontic occlusal form on abutment tooth displacement]

The three-dimensional displacements of abutment teeth in fixed partial dentures (FPDs) during mastication were measured while changing the pontic occlusal design, for comparison against those of natural teeth. The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of pontic occlusal form on the displacements of the abutment teeth, and to decide the optimum pontic occlusal design. Three subjects, who each had a single missing tooth (upper first molar or second premolar), were chosen. After 3-unit FPDs were cemented, abutment tooth displacement during mastication was measured using a three-dimensional tooth displacement transducer Type M-3. The functional or non-functional cusp inclination of the pontic was changed gradually. The flatter the inclination of the functional cusp of pontic became, the more the abutment teeth displaced in the buccal direction. The flatter the inclination of pontic non-functional cusp became, the less the abutment teeth displaced in the buccal direction, and the more the abutment teeth mostly displaced in the palatal direction. If the inclination of the functional cusp of pontic becomes excessively flatter, or the inclination of pontic non-functional cusps becomes as steep as the natural teeth, non-physiological distortion may occur in periodontal tissues of the abutment teeth.     

Photoelastic stress analysis of load transfer to implants and natural teeth comparing rigid and semirigid connectors

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Controversy exists regarding the connection of implants to natural teeth. PURPOSE: This simulation study measured photoelastically the biologic behavior of implants. Stress transfer patterns with variable implant support and simulated natural teeth through rigid and nonrigid connection were examined under simulated functional loads. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A photoelastic model of a human left mandible edentulous distal to first premolar was fabricated having 2 screw type implants (3.75x13 mm) embedded within the edentulous area. Two fixed prosthetic restorations were fabricated with either a nonsplinted proximal contact or a soldered proximal contact, and cast precision dowel attachment between implant areas and simulated tooth. Simulated vertical occlusal loads were applied at fixed locations on the restorations. Stresses, which developed in the supporting structure, were monitored photoelastically and recorded photographically. RESULTS: The rigid connector in the 1 implant situation caused only slightly higher stresses in the supporting structure than the nonrigid connector. The distally loaded 1 and 2 implant-supported restoration produced the highest apical stresses, which occurred at the distal implant. The rigid connector demonstrated the greatest stress transfer in the 2 implant-supported restoration. CONCLUSIONS: Lower stresses apical to the tooth or implant occurred with forces applied further from the supporting abutment. Although the least stress was observed when using a nonrigid connector, the rigid connector in particular situations caused only slightly higher stresses in the supporting structure. The rigid connector demonstrated more widespread stress transfer in the 2 implant-supported restoration. Recommendations for selection of connector design should be based on sound clinical periodontal health of a tooth and the support provided by implants.     

The Effect of Incorporation, Orientation and Silane Treatment of Glass Fibers on the Fracture Resistance of Interim Fixed Partial Dentures

Fracture of interim fixed partial dentures (FPD) is of important concern to the dental surgeon, especially with long-span fixed partial dentures or areas of heavy occlusal stress. Polymers used in interim FPDs, reinforced with glass fibers have shown to have a positive effect on the fracture resistance of interim FPDs. Since little research has been done on the influence of silane treated glass fibers on the fracture resistance of interim FPDs, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of silane treatment of glass fibers on the fracture resistance of interim FPDs and its correlation with the position of fiber reinforcement and length of the span of the interim FPD. Interim FPDs were fabricated from an autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. Seven FPDs were made in each group. The FPDs in the control group were unreinforced, and in the other groups the FPDs were reinforced either with non silane treated glass fiber or with silane treated glass fiber. The fibers were placed in two different locations in the FPDs. Three length of span of FPDs were tested. The load was applied to the FPD by a steel ball placed in the center of the pontic space. One Way Anova, Two Way Anova, Studentized range test (Scheffe’s). Results showed that the load required for fracturing the unreinforced FPDs varied from 272 to 998 N. Mean fracture load of reinforced FPDs varied from 536 to 1642 N. One-way analysis of variance showed that the position of fibers and the silane treatment fibers significantly affected the fracture load. The results of this study suggested that the silane treatment of glass fibers had a marked improvement in the fracture resistance of FPDs as compared to untreated glass fibers. Selective placement of the glass fibers at the undersurface of the pontic and the occlusal surface of the interim fixed partial denture showed more increase in the fracture resistance as compared to the randomly distributed glass fibers. The glass fiber reinforcement is effective in increasing the fracture resistance with the effectiveness most evident in interim FPDs with long spans. With increase in the length of span of interim fixed partial denture the fracture resistance was shown to decrease significantly in all the groups.     

Biomechanical effects of fixed partial denture therapy on strain patterns of the mandible

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The mandibular posterior 3-unit fixed partial denture (FPD) is a conventional prosthodontic therapy and presumably has an effect on the direction and magnitude of occlusal forces and, thus, on the biomechanical environment of the mandible, which may in turn affect bone structure. However, the impact of FPD therapy on mandibular biomechanics is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 3-unit FPD therapy alters strain patterns in the mandible during loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four human cadaver mandibles missing first molars were bilaterally fixed and artificially loaded on each tooth individually. Surface cortical bone strains were measured with multiple strain gauges during loading of up to 250 N. Next, 3-unit FPDs with a chamfer finish line were fabricated using Type IV gold alloy. Strain measurements were conducted in the same manner to assess differences in strain patterns before and after therapy. Paired-sample tests for metric and angular data were used to assess difference in strain pattern before and after therapies (alpha=.05). RESULTS: When loading was applied on the teeth not involved in FPD therapy, no differences were found before and after FPD placement. When the posterior retainers were loaded, the strain distribution differed (P=.01); on the buccal cortices, strain levels increased posteriorly but decreased significantly anteriorly. However, these differences were less than 100 muepsilon, and the overall deformation pattern of the mandible after the FPD therapy was similar to that before FPD therapy. Strain distributions when the pontic was loaded were similar to those when the posterior retainer was loaded. CONCLUSION: Three-unit FPD therapy did not alter the overall deformation pattern of the mandible during loading.