Three-dimensional image correlation analyses for strains generated by cement and screw-retained implant prostheses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Dental implants are crucial for tooth replacement.
• Understanding strain distribution in implant-supported prostheses is vital for long-term success.
• Splinted crowns offer enhanced stability but require careful analysis of retention methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the strains generated by cement-retained versus screw-retained splinted implant crowns.
• To evaluate strain patterns under different loading conditions (vertical and oblique).
• To determine if cement retention influences strain magnitude in two-implant supported crowns.

Main Methods:

• A 3D-printed resin model with two implants was used.
• Splinted crowns were fabricated for both cement and screw retention.
• Image correlation technique measured full-field strains under vertical and oblique loads up to 400 N.
• Statistical analysis (ANOVA) compared strain data between retention methods.

Main Results:

• Strain patterns and magnitudes were similar for cement- and screw-retained crowns under vertical loading.
• No significant differences in peak or mean strains were observed between retention methods with vertical loading.
• Under oblique loading, screw-retained crowns exhibited lower peak strains, but average strains across the field of view were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

• Cement retention does not enhance strain transfer for splinted implant crowns.
• Both cement and screw retention methods yield comparable strain distributions under tested conditions.
• Findings suggest biomechanical similarity between retention types for splinted implant restorations.