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 the 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 broader 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 in dental prostheses, finding that sharper shapes create more stress and potential for fractures.

Methodology

Finite element analysis was used to evaluate stress distribution in three 3D models of dental prostheses with varying connector designs.

Limitations

The study assumed all materials were homogeneous, isotropic, and linear elastic, and did not account for in vivo conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ceramics5010004

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