Biomechanical behavior of titanium and zirconia frameworks for implant-supported full-arch fixed dental prosthesis

The biomechanical behavior of implant-supported titanium and zirconia full-arch fixed dental prosthesis (FAFDP) frameworks require further investigation.

Strains transferred by implant-supported titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) FAFDP frameworks were analyzed.

Maxillary 14-unit FAFDPs supported by 6 implants and 12-unit FAFDPs supported by 4 implants were tested. One-piece frameworks were fabricated by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. Four groups were divided (n = 3): G1, Ti-6 implants; G2, Zr-6 implants; G3, Ti-4 implants; G4, Zr-4 implants. A 250 N single-point load was applied on the second premolar. A three-dimensional digital image correlation system recorded framework and maxilla model surface deformation.

The following strains (μS) averaged over the length of the second premolar were calculated: frameworks, G1 (321.82 ± 111.29), G2 (638.87 ± 108.64), G3 (377.77 ± 28.64), G4 (434.18 ± 132.21); model surface, G1 (473.99 ± 48.69), G2 (653.93 ± 45.26), G3 (1082.50 ± 71.14), G4 (1218.26 ± 230.37). Zirconia frameworks supported by 6 implants (G2) presented higher surface strains (P < .05). FAFDPs with titanium frameworks transferred significantly lower strains to the supporting maxilla when 6 implants were used (G1) (P < .05). Both framework materials transferred similar strains when supported by 4 implants (G3 and G4) (P > .05).

Zirconia frameworks supported by 6 implants showed higher strains. FAFDPs supported by 6 implants transferred less strains to the supporting maxilla, irrespective of framework material.