The all-ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture. Part 2. Fixed partial denture design: a finite element analysis

The clinical use of all-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures has seen widespread adoption over the past few years due to their increasing durability and longevity. However, the application of inlays as an abutment design has not been as readily embraced because of their relatively high failure rates. With the use of an idealized inlay preparation design and prosthesis form which better distributes the tensile stresses, it is possible to utilize the inlay as support for an all-ceramic fixed partial denture. Utilizing a three-dimensional finite element analysis, a direct comparison of the inlay supported all-ceramic bridge against the traditional full crown supported all-ceramic bridge is made. The results demonstrate that peak stresses in the inlay bridge are around 20% higher than in the full crown supported bridge with von Mises peaking at about 730 MPa when subjected to theoretical average maximum bite force in the molar region of 700 N, which is similar to the ultimate tensile strengths of current zirconia based ceramics.     

The all-ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture. Part 3. Experimental approach for validating the finite element analysis

In a previous study, the authors used a finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the stresses developed during the loading of an all-ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture and compared it with the more traditional full crown supported prosthesis. To date there has been little research into correlating the responses of the numerical model against physical mechanical tests; such validation analysis is crucial if the results from the FEA are to be confidently relied upon. This study reports on the experimental methods used to compare with the FEA and thereby to validate the predictive fracture behaviour of the numerical model. This study also outlines the methods for manufacture and testing of the ceramic structure along with observations of the fracture tests. In addition the procedure used for developing the FEA model for the test system is outlined.     

The all‐ceramic,inlay supported fixed partial denture. Part 1. Ceramic inlay preparation design: a literature review

The effect of cavity design is a controversial and underrated factor in the clinical success of ceramic inlays and inlay supported prosthesis. Many articles and studies have been conducted into the advantages and disadvantages of isolated aspects of preparation design, but lacking is a review of the most relevant papers which bring together a consensus on all the critical features. Hence, a review and analysis of cavity depth, width, preparation taper and internal line angles is warranted in our attempts to formulate preparation guidelines that will lead to clinically successful, all‐ceramic inlay restorations and ceramic inlay supported prosthesis.     

Three‐dimensional finite element analysis of zirconia all‐ceramic cantilevered fixed partial dentures with different framework designs

The purpose of this study were: to perform stress analyses using three‐dimensional finite element analysis methods; to analyze the mechanical stress of different framework designs; and to investigate framework designs that will provide for the long‐term stability of both cantilevered fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and abutment teeth. An analysis model was prepared for three units of cantilevered FPDs that assume a missing mandibular first molar. Four types of framework design (Design 1, basic type; Design 2, framework width expanded buccolingually by 2 mm; Design 3, framework height expanded by 0.5 mm to the occlusal surface side from the end abutment to the connector area; and Design 4, a combination of Designs 2 and 3) were created. Two types of framework material (yttrium‐oxide partially stabilized zirconia and a high precious noble metal gold alloy) and two types of abutment material (dentin and brass) were used. In the framework designs, Design 1 exhibited the highest maximum principal stress value for both zirconia and gold alloy. In the abutment tooth, Design 3 exhibited the highest maximum principal stress value for all abutment teeth. In the present study, Design 4 (the design with expanded framework height and framework width) could contribute to preventing the concentration of stress and protecting abutment teeth.     

Effects of cantilever design and material on stress distribution in fixed partial dentures--a finite element analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress distribution in distal cantilevered fixed partial dentures (FPDs) that are designed with different cantilever morphology and made from different restorative materials. The finite element (FE) method was used to create models of two restoration types; metal-ceramic and an all-ceramic FPDs. Both models were designed with distal cantilevers involving the first and second premolars as abutments and cantilever extension involving at the premolar or molar. The width of connector between the cantilever and the primary abutment restoration was 2.25 mm. The load applied during the FE analysis was positioned at the cusp tips of all teeth. The FE analysis of the models revealed that Von Mises stress values with maximum stress concentrations were observed on connectors of distal cantilevers. Stress concentration sites were also observed at the distal cervical area of the second premolar tooth. Models with premolar cantilever extensions restored with all-ceramic induced lower Von Mises stress values than metal-ceramic restorations, however models with molar cantilever extensions restored with all-ceramic restorations induced higher Von Misses stress values than metal-ceramic restorations. If the distal cantilever length and restorative material is appropriately chosen, the failure frequency may be reduced. All ceramic can be used as restorative material, when the cantilevers length is not more than the mesiodistal dimension of a premolar tooth and metal-ceramic restorations can be used in longer situations.     

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.     

Micromotion analysis of different implant configuration,bone density,and crestal cortical bone thickness in immediately loaded mandibular full‐arch implant restorations: A nonlinear finite element study

Background

Excessive micromotion may cause failure of osseointegration between the implant and bone.

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of implant configuration, bone density, and crestal cortical bone thickness on micromotion in immediately loaded mandibular full‐arch implant restorations.

Materials and Methods

A finite element model of the edentulous mandible was constructed. Four implants were inserted in two different configurations, which were four parallel implants or tilted distal implants according to the all‐on‐four concept. Different cancellous bone densities and crestal cortical bone thicknesses were simulated. The framework was made of acrylic resin. A vertical load of 200 N was applied at the cantilever or on the distal implant (noncantilever loading).

Results

The maximum extent of micromotion was significantly influenced by the density of cancellous bone and to a lesser extent by implant configuration and the crestal cortical bone thickness. The all‐on‐four configuration showed less micromotion than the parallel implant configuration in some circumstances. The maximum micromotion detected with noncantilever loading was less than 1/3 of that with cantilever loading.

Conclusions

Implant configuration had a limited influence on micromotion. Avoiding cantilever loading during the healing period should effectively reduce the risk of excessive micromotion in patients with low‐density cancellous bone and thin crestal cortical bone.     

Patient‐specific finite element models of the human mandible: Lack of consensus on current set‐ups

The use of finite element analysis (FEA) has increased rapidly over the last decennia and has become a popular tool to design implants, osteosynthesis plates and prostheses. With increasing computer capacity and the availability of software applications, it has become easier to employ the FEA. However, there seems to be no consensus on the input variables that should be applied to representative FEA models of the human mandible. This review aims to find a consensus on how to define the representative input factors for a FEA model of the human mandible. A literature search carried out in the PubMed and Embase database resulted in 137 matches. Seven papers were included in this current study. Within the search results, only a few FEA models had been validated. The material properties and FEA approaches varied considerably, and the available validations are not strong enough for a general consensus. Further validations are required, preferably using the same measuring workflow to obtain insight into the broad array of mandibular variations. A lot of work is still required to establish validated FEA settings and to prevent assumptions when it comes to FEA applications.     

Selection of the distraction implant length with improved biomechanical properties by three‐dimensional finite element analysis

Summary In this study, the distraction length of distraction implant was set as input variable which ranged from 2 to 10 mm. The effect of distraction length on the maximum Von Mises stress in the jaw bones and the implant were evaluated by a finite element method. The results showed that under axial load, the maximum equivalent stresses in cortical bone, cancellous bone, and distraction screw decreased by 5·8%, 8·6%, and 11·0%, respectively, with the changing of distraction length, and under buccolingual load those decreased by 0·3%, 18·0%, and 13·0%, respectively. The data indicate that cancellous bone is more sensitive to distraction length than the cortical bone. Under both loads, the central distraction screw was subjected to the stress concentration and more easily damaged by buccolingual force than by axial force. Distraction implant with distraction length exceeding 8 mm showed relatively better biomechanical behaviour.     

Comparative evaluation of peri-implant stress distribution in implant protected occlusion and cuspally loaded occlusion on a 3 unit implant supported fixed partial denture: A 3D finite element analysis study

PURPOSETo assess peri-implant stress distribution using finite element analysis in implant supported fixed partial denture with occlusal schemes of cuspally loaded occlusion and implant protected occlusion.MATERIALS AND METHODSA 3-D finite element model of mandible with D2 bone with partially edentulism with unilateral distal extension was made. Two Ti alloy identical implants with 4.2 mm diameter and 10 mm length were placed in the mandibular second premolar and the mandibular second molar region and prosthesis was given with the mandibular first molar pontic. Vertical load of 100 N and and oblique load of 70 N was applied on occlusal surface of prosthesis. Group 1 was cuspally loaded occlusion with total 8 contact points and Group 2 was implant protected occlusion with 3 contact points.RESULTSIn Group 1 for vertical load , maximum stress was generated over implant having 14.3552 Mpa. While for oblique load, overall stress generated was 28.0732 Mpa. In Group 2 for vertical load, maximum stress was generated over crown and overall stress was 16.7682 Mpa. But for oblique load, crown stress and overall stress was maximum 22.7561 Mpa. When Group 1 is compared to Group 2, harmful oblique load caused maximum overall stress 28.0732 Mpa in Group 1.CONCLUSIONIn Group 1, vertical load generated high implant stress, and oblique load generated high overall stresses, cortical stresses and crown stresses compared to vertical load. In Group 2, oblique load generated more overall stresses, cortical stresses, and crown stresses compared to vertical load. Implant protected occlusion generated lesser harmful oblique implant, crown, bone and overall stresses compared to cuspally loaded occlusion.