Three-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis of the ferrule effect in cast post and cores

The effect of a metal collar on stress distribution with cast post and cores was studied by using three-dimensional photoelastic models of maxillary canine teeth of average dimensions. Standardized parallel post and cores were cemented into the models, with half of the samples incorporating a 1.5 mm metal collar. A 400 gm load was applied to the cingulum of the cores and stresses were frozen in the models. The posts were removed, the teeth were sectioned, and stresses were measured with a circular polariscope. In both groups the greatest stress concentration was found at the lingual apex of the post. On a point by point basis, stresses were higher in the collared specimens. Variation in stress magnitude among five preselected points was greater within the noncollared group.