Verification of finite element analysis of fixed partial denture with in vitro electronic strain measurement

The purpose of the study was to verify the finite element analysis model of three-unite fixed partial denture with in vitro electronic strain analysis and analyze clinical situation with the verified model.

First, strain gauges were attached to the critical areas of a three-unit fixed partial denture. Strain values were measured under 300 N load perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Secondly, a three-dimensional finite element model in accordance with the electronic strain analysis experiment was constructed from the scanning data. And the strain values obtained by finite element analysis and in vitro measurements were compared. Finally, the clinical destruction of the fixed partial denture was evaluated with the verified finite element analysis model.

There was a mutual agreement and consistency between the finite element analysis results and experimental data. The finite element analysis revealed that failure will occur in the veneer layer on buccal surface of the connector under occlusal force of 570 N.

The results indicate that the electronic strain analysis is an appropriate and cost saving method to verify the finite element model. The veneer layer on buccal surface of the connector is the weakest area in the fixed partial denture.