Stress distribution associated with loaded acrylic-metal-cement crowns by using finite element method

The axisymmetrical finite element method (FEM) was used to compare stress distribution in a maxillary second premolar restored tooth. The three models were evaluated by crowning the tooth with Au-Pd alloy, Ni-Cr alloy and Ti alloy with acrylic. A longitudinal static force, 200 N in magnitude at an angle of 45 degrees was applied on the occlusal margin of each model. The tooth was assumed isotropic, homogenous and elastic. This numerical study was carried out using axisymmetric finite element models and calculation programmes were prepared by the authors using FORTRAN 77. Comparison of stress distributions was made in four regions of apex, cole, dentin-metal interface and metal-acrylic interface. The highest stress values were obtained when NiCr alloy with acrylic was used.