In vitro digital image correlation analysis of the strain transferred by screw-retained fixed partial dentures...

This study used digital image correlation (DIC) to evaluate the strain transferred by splinted and non-splinted screw-retained fixed partial dentures (FPDs) supported by short and conventional implants.

Four polyurethane models were fabricated to simulate half of the mandibular arch with acrylic resin replicas of the first premolar. Short (5 mm) and/or conventional (11 mm) implants replaced the second premolar and the first and second molars. Groups were: G1, two conventional (second premolar and first molar) and one short (second molar) implant; G2, one conventional (second premolar) and two short (first and second molar) implants; G3, three short implants; and G4, three conventional implants. Splinted (S) and non-splinted (NS) FPDs were screwed to the implant abutments. Occlusal load and a single point load on the second premolar, both of 250 N, were applied. Strain in the horizontal direction (Ɛ_xx) was calculated and compared using the DIC software.

Splinted crowns presented the highest strain magnitudes of all tested groups (p < 0.05). The strain was concentrated near the short implants and presented a higher magnitude compared to conventional implants, especially in G2S (-560.13 μS), G3S (-372.97 μS), and G4S (-356.67 μS).

Splinted crowns presented a higher strain concentration around the implants, particularly near the implant replacing the first molar. A combination of short and conventional implants seems to be a viable alternative for the rehabilitation of the posterior edentulous mandible with reduced bone height.