Abutment forms and restorative materials in adhesive prosthesis: a finite element analysis

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Biomaterials engineering
• Finite element analysis in dentistry

Background:

• Adhesive restorations are crucial in modern dentistry.
• Understanding stress distribution in experimental abutment forms is vital for clinical success.
• The three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) is a valuable tool for evaluating biomechanical behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate stress distribution in experimental abutment forms with no axial wall.
• To assess the influence of different restorative materials (composite resin, porcelain, gold-based alloy) on stress.
• To determine the impact of abutment geometry on adhesive stresses under load.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) for analysis.
• Evaluated three experimental abutment forms with varying occlusal reduction and axial cuts.
• Simulated restorations bonded with adhesive resin subjected to a 500 N vertical load on the buccal cusp.

Main Results:

• Highest stresses in adhesives were observed in Form 1 (1.5 mm occlusal reduction) with composite resin.
• Form 3 also exhibited significant stresses.
• Both abutment form and restorative material type demonstrably affected stress concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Abutment geometry significantly influences stress distribution within adhesive restorations.
• The choice of restorative material interacts with abutment form to determine stress levels.
• These findings have implications for optimizing clinical treatment protocols and material selection in restorative dentistry.