Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Different Connector Designs for All-Ceramic Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses
2022

3D Analysis of Dental Prosthesis Connector Designs

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alberto Laura H. J., Kalluri Lohitha, Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F., Duan Yuanyuan

Primary Institution: University of Mississippi Medical Center

Hypothesis

The distal connector with the broader curvature of gingival embrasure would present the lowest Maximum Principal Stresses on the gingival aspect of veneer and framework layers.

Conclusion

The radius of curvature of gingival embrasure significantly influences the stress distribution in all-ceramic implant-supported fixed dental prostheses.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study found that the 0.25 mm radius model had the highest peak stress.
  • Models with larger radii (0.50 mm and 0.75 mm) showed more uniform stress distribution.
  • Previous studies support that sharper connectors lead to higher stress concentrations.

Takeaway

This study looked at how the shape of a dental connector affects stress and potential fractures in dental prostheses. A sharper connector design leads to more stress and a higher chance of breaking.

Methodology

Three-dimensional models of dental implants and prostheses were created and analyzed using finite element analysis software to evaluate stress distribution.

Limitations

The study assumed all materials were homogeneous, isotropic, and linear elastic, which may not reflect real-life conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ceramics5010004

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