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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
Assessment of the biomechanical performance of digitally manufactured space maintainers: a finite element analysis
Meltem Karahan1, Bahar Basak Kızıltan Elıacık2, Berk Yuzbasıoglu3
1Hamidiye Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey. meltem.karahan@sbu.edu.tr.
Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of band and loop space maintainers, fabricated using digital technologies, and the luting cements used for their fixation, on mesio-distal tooth movement using the Finite Element Analysis method. Additionally, the biomechanical performance of the materials was analyzed by comparing the maximum Von Mises stress distribution.
Methodology:
A total of fifteen finite element models were created using combinations of five different band and loop materials (BruxZir, Conventional, Trilor, polyetheretherketone and carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone) and three types of luting cements: conventional glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and dual-cure resin cement. A vertical force of 70 Newton was applied in the occluso-gingival direction at the band-loop junction in each model. Stress distribution and potential failure zones were analyzed using the finite element analysis method.
Results:
Among the tested materials, BruxZir exhibited the least amount of displacement and generated the lowest stress on the tooth. It was followed by Conventional, Trilor, and carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone and polyetheretherketone. Polyetheretherketone showed the highest level of displacement. When comparing luting cements, the resin-modified glass ionomer, which has the lowest elastic modulus, caused the greatest mesial movement. This was followed by the self-adhesive resin cement and the conventional glass ionomer cement.
Conclusions:
The integration of digital technologies in pediatric dentistry enables the clinical use of space maintainers fabricated from various advanced materials. However, further clinical studies are necessary to assess the long-term success and biocompatibility of these digital materials.
