Finite element stress analysis of short-post core and over restorations prepared with different restorative materials

The present study was conducted to determine the effect on the distribution of stress with the use of short-post cores and over restorations composed of different materials. The restorative materials used were namely two different composite resin materials (Valux Plus and Tetric Flow), a polyacid-modified resin material (Dyract AP), and a woven polyethylene fiber combination (Ribbond Fiber + Bonding agent + Tetric Flow). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to develop a model for the maxillary primary anterior teeth. A masticatory force of 100 N was applied at 148 degrees to the incisal edge of the palatal surface of the crown model. Stress distributions and stress values were compared using von Mises criteria. The tooth model was assumed to be isotropic, homogeneous, elastic, and asymmetrical. It was observed that the highest stress usually occurred in the cervical area of the tooth when Tetric Flow was used as the short-post core and over restoration material. The same maximum stress value was also obtained when Ribbond fiber + Tetric Flow material was used for the short-post core. The results of FEA showed that the mechanical properties and elastic modulus of the restorative material influenced the stresses generated in enamel, dentin, and restoration when short-post core restorations were loaded incisally. Resin-based restorative materials with higher elastic moduli were found to be unsuitable as short-post core materials in endodontically treated maxillary primary anterior teeth.