A three-dimensional finite element model of the polymerization process in dental restorations

Restoration of dental restorations with resin composite is hampered by shrinkage of the material during the polymerization process. In this study, we simulated the polymerization process in a detailed three-dimensional finite element model of a human upper premolar with a cusp-replacing restoration. It was analyzed how the stress patterns changed during polymerization and it was assessed whether immediate failure of the restoration is likely to occur and if so, which locations within the restoration are at highest risk and what the clinical implications of these findings are for clinical practice. It was found that the stresses increased rapidly during polymerization and decreased again in the post-polymerization phase. At the interface, tensile stresses relaxed to a higher degree than the shear stresses. Stress values in the composite material and at the interface with the tooth tissue were lower than the reported strength values suggesting that immediate failure is unlikely. The safety factor against mechanical failure of the interface, however, was relatively low indicating that the interface between the composite material and the tooth tissue is at a higher risk for failure than the bulk of the restoration. Stress relaxation was less effective in areas where the interface surface was irregular. In common practice, irregular interface surfaces are used to increase the retention of the restoration. This study indicates that the increased retention may be compromised to some extent by higher shrinkage stresses. The fact that stresses considerably decreased during the post-polymerization period suggests that mechanical loading should be limited during the first few hours after restoration.