Stress Distribution Pattern in Mandibular Overdenture Designs Supported by Three Dental Implants: A 3D Finite Element...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Implant-supported overdentures are crucial for restoring function in edentulous patients.
• Understanding stress distribution is vital for long-term implant success and prosthetic longevity.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) provides a powerful tool for simulating biomechanical behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate stress distribution and displacement in implant-supported overdentures using FEA.
• To compare different attachment types (ball, locator) and splinting designs (bar, cantilever).
• To identify optimal configurations for enhanced stability and reduced component stress.

Main Methods:

• A mandibular edentulous model with three dental implants was created using SolidWorks 2022.
• Six attachment/splinting configurations were analyzed, including isolated and splinted designs with and without cantilevers.
• Stress and displacement were evaluated under vertical and oblique loading conditions using Abaqus/CAE 2021.

Main Results:

• Ball attachments generated the highest stress in components and cancellous bone.
• Locator attachments demonstrated lower stress distribution across bone, implants, and prosthetic parts.
• Splinted designs with cantilevers exhibited reduced stress compared to those without.

Conclusions:

• Locator attachments are preferable to ball attachments for isolated configurations.
• Cantilever designs are recommended for splinted configurations to minimize stress.
• Isolated attachments effectively controlled displacement, and conventional/milled bars showed comparable mechanical properties.