Deflections in Mandibular Major Connectors: A FEM Study

The major connector is the most vital component critically subjected to maximal stress concentration due to various forces acting on it. The main requirement of a major connector is its resistance to deformation by occlusal stresses. This resistance to deformation is a direct consequence of the rigidity of the major connector. Thus rigidity of the major connector is paramount to resist flexing and torquing forces that could be transmitted to the abutment teeth and other structures as destructive forces. The commonly used major connectors for the mandibular arch are lingual bar and lingual plate. In the present study, the deflection of various major connector designs due to occlusal load is assessed by finite element method. They have been analyzed through finite element models. The differences in the deflection behaviour of mandibular major connector used in Kennedy's Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV edentulous situations have been compared. A CT scan of human edentulous mandible was taken and each section from symphysis to condylar region was projected on a graph paper and three-dimensional volumes were created from connected successive profiles to define the final solid geometry of cortical bone. Six framework models with different mandibular major connectors, lingual bar and lingual plate for Kennedy's Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV situations were created. The three dimensional finite element models corresponding to the geometric model were generated using Ansys's pre-processor. The model was assigned material properties. A vertical biting force of 20 N was applied. The results showed that the maximum deflection was seen in the saddle area when compared to other areas, i.e., major connector and the occlusal rest regions. The lingual bar in Kennedy's Class III situation and lingual plate in Kennedy's Class IV situation showed the least deflection when compared to Class I and Class II (distal extensions) situations. Lingual plate is more rigid major connector than lingual bar.