Finite Element Analysis of Provisional Structures of Implant-Supported Complete Prostheses
The use of provisional resin implant-supported complete dentures is a fast and safe procedure to restore mastication and esthetics of patients soon after surgery and during the adaptation phase to the new denture. This study assessed stress distribution of provisional implant-supported fixed dentures and the all-on-4 concept using self-curing acrylic resin (Tempron) and bis-acrylic resin (Luxatemp) to simulate functional loads through the three-dimensional finite element method. Solidworks software was used to build three-dimensional models using acrylic resin (Tempron, model A) and bis-acrylic resin (Luxatemp, model B) for denture captions. Two loading patterns were applied on each model: (1) right unilateral axial loading of 150 N on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and (2) oblique loading vector of 150 N at 45°. The results showed that higher stress was found on the bone crest below oblique load application with a maximum value of 187.57 MPa on model A and 167.45 MPa on model B. It was concluded that model B improved stress distribution on the denture compared with model A.
Figure 1. Example of wear area of prosthesis and replacement with acrylic resin for capture (pink). Figure 2. Load vectors represented by red arrows. (a) Standard or axial loading. (b) Second pattern or oblique loading.
Stress distribution on the peri-implant bone using the Von Mises equivalent stress criterion. All plottings were adjusted on the same scale. (a) Axial loading on model A. (b) Axial loading on model B. (c) Oblique loading on model A. (d) Oblique loading on model B.
Maximum principal (tensile) stresses on the heat-polymerized resin remaining on the original prosthesis. All plottings were adjusted on the same scale. (a) Axial loading on model A. (b) Axial loading on model B. (c) Oblique loading on model A. (d) Oblique loading on model B.
Maximum principal (tensile) stresses on repair and impression resin. All plottings were adjusted on the same scale. The red arrows indicate location with stress peaks. (a) Axial loading on Model A. (b) Axial loading on Model B. (c) Oblique loading on Model A. (c) Oblique loading on Model B.
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