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Enhancing the mechanical stability of restored teeth with interfacial cracks: Finite element analysis
Behzad Babaei1, B Gangadhara Prusty2
1School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|October 17, 2023
Summary
Restoring molar teeth with class II occlusal-distal (OD) cavities requires careful consideration of marginal geometry and restorative material properties for optimal mechanical stability. Curved geometries significantly enhance fracture resistance, reducing stress concentrations in dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Mechanics
- Finite Element Analysis
Background:
- Class II occlusal-distal (OD) cavities are common in molar teeth, posing challenges for restoration stability.
- Enhancing the mechanical integrity of restored teeth is crucial for long-term clinical success and preventing failure modes like cracking or debonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of restoration material properties, internal cavity geometries, and double-layered configurations on the mechanical stability of restored molar teeth with class II OD cavities.
- To identify key factors that enhance resistance to cracks or debonding in restored posterior teeth.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional (2D) finite element analysis (FEA) models of restored maxillary molar teeth with class II OD cavities were created.
- Thirteen distinct cavity geometries, including straight, oblique, grooved, curved, and double-layered designs, were analyzed.
- Python code was used to assign a range of elastic moduli (2-26 GPa) to restorative materials, while enamel and dentine properties remained constant. 133 FEA simulations were performed.
Main Results:
- The marginal geometry of the occlusal-distal (OD) cavity and the elastic modulus of the restorative material were identified as significant factors influencing mechanical resistance, especially in the presence of cracks or debonding.
- Altering internal cavity angles and employing double-layered restorations did not significantly impact the overall strength or performance against cracks or debonding.
Conclusions:
- Curved marginal geometries in class II OD cavity restorations can substantially improve fracture resistance.
- Double-curved geometries demonstrated a notable reduction in stress concentrations (approx. 43%) compared to straight cavities, offering practical guidance for dental restoration design.
- Further experimental validation is recommended to explore the clinical applications and benefits of optimized restoration designs.
