Stress distributions in maxillary bone surrounding overdenture implants with different overdenture attachments

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Implantology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Overdentures supported by implants are a common prosthetic solution.
• Understanding stress distribution in the surrounding maxillary bone is crucial for implant longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of various overdenture attachments on stress distribution in maxillary bone.
• To compare stress patterns generated by rigid and movable attachment systems.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) was employed.
• Four attachment types were simulated: rigid Dalbo Stud, movable Dalbo Stress Broken, movable Dalro, and movable O-ring.
• Analysis considered different load angles and two interface boundary conditions (perfect bonding and contact with friction).

Main Results:

• Attachment type significantly alters the load transfer mechanism to the maxillary bone.
• Movable Dalro attachments resulted in the highest maximum effective stress under friction conditions.
• Rigid Dalbo Stud attachments generated the lowest maximum effective stress under perfect bonding conditions.

Conclusions:

• Proper selection of overdenture attachments can influence stress distribution in the jawbone.
• Accurate assignment of interface boundary conditions in FEA is critical for reliable results.
• Movable attachments may increase stress, necessitating careful consideration in implant design.