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A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth
Published on: April 8, 2020
A three-dimensional finite element analysis for overdenture attachments supported by teeth and/or mini dental
Abdalbseet A Fatalla1, Ke Song, Tianfeng Du
1Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Summary
Flexible acrylic attachments with three mini dental implants offer superior support for overdentures, minimizing stress and flexing in surrounding bone compared to O-ring attachments with four implants.
Area of Science:
- Dental prosthetics
- Biomaterials engineering
- Finite element analysis
Background:
- Overdentures offer improved stability and function compared to conventional dentures.
- Minimizing stress on alveolar bone and implants is crucial for long-term success of overdenture support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal design and attachment combination for overdenture support.
- To minimize stress and flexing in the alveolar bone surrounding natural teeth and mini dental implants.
Main Methods:
- Twelve finite element models simulating overdenture support designs and attachment combinations (Dalbo elliptic/O-ring vs. flexible acrylic) were analyzed.
- Static vertical (35 N) and lateral (17.5 N) loads were applied to simulate occlusal forces.
- Maximum von Mises stress and qualitative flexing of the mandible and attachments were compared.
Main Results:
- Models with three freestanding mini dental implants and flexible acrylic attachments exhibited the lowest von Mises stress and flexing.
- Models utilizing four freestanding mini dental implants with O-ring attachments demonstrated the highest levels of stress and flexing.
Conclusions:
- Flexible acrylic attachment systems with three mini dental implants provide a more favorable outcome for overdenture support.
- This configuration is superior to four mini dental implants with O-ring attachments, which resulted in maximal stress and flexing.
