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Updated: May 24, 2026
11:51
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
Regular and platform switching: bone stress analysis varying implant type
Nália Cecília Gurgel-Juarez1, Erika Oliveira de Almeida, Eduardo Passos Rocha
1MSc Student in Prosthodontics, Postgraduate Center, São Leopoldo Mandic School of Dentistry, Campinas, Brazil.
Summary
Platform switching significantly impacts stress distribution in peri-implant bone, especially for external hexagon implants in cortical bone. External hexagon implants generally exhibit lower stress concentration compared to internal hexagon designs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Implantology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Understanding stress distribution around dental implants is crucial for long-term success.
- Platform switching is a technique used to potentially improve soft tissue healing and esthetics.
- Finite element analysis (FEA) is a valuable tool for simulating biomechanical behavior in complex structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate stress distribution on peri-implant bone.
- To simulate the influence of platform switching on external and internal hexagon implants.
- To compare stress patterns between regular and platform-switched configurations using 3D FEA.
Main Methods:
- Four 3D finite element models were created: External Regular (ER), Internal Regular (IR), External Switching (ES), and Internal Switching (IS).
- Models simulated a central incisor with different external and internal hexagon implants and abutment sizes, including platform switching.
- Oblique forces were applied, and stress (principal and von Mises) and strain values were analyzed in cortical and trabecular bone.
Main Results:
- Cortical bone experienced higher stress with internal hexagon implants (IR and IS) compared to external hexagon implants (ER and ES).
- Platform switching (ES) reduced stress in cortical bone for external hexagon implants.
- External hexagon implants (ER) showed higher strain in trabecular bone compared to internal hexagon implants (IR).
Conclusions:
- Platform switching's effect on stress distribution is more pronounced in cortical bone than trabecular bone.
- External hexagon implants demonstrated lower stress concentration across both regular and platform-switched configurations compared to internal hexagon implants.
- These findings suggest external hexagon implants may offer biomechanical advantages, particularly when platform switching is employed.
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