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Finite Element Analysis in Polymer-Based Adhesive Dental Restorations: A Narrative Review on Material Behavior,
Angelo Aliberti1, Mario Caggiano2, Mirko Piscopo1
1Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Polymers
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Finite element analysis (FEA) aids understanding of dental restorations. While valuable for predicting failure patterns and supporting minimally invasive dentistry, FEA
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Biomechanics
- Computational Mechanics
Background:
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is widely adopted in restorative dentistry.
- A critical synthesis of FEA's methodological validity and clinical interpretability in adhesive dentistry is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the application of FEA in adhesive restorative dentistry.
- To provide a clinically oriented framework for interpreting FEA findings.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of FEA studies on direct/indirect polymer-based restorations (Class I-V).
- Qualitative appraisal focusing on modeling assumptions, stress distribution, and clinical relevance.
Main Results:
- FEA identifies trends in cavity design, material properties, and bonding influencing restoration performance.
- FEA helps explain clinical failure patterns and supports minimally invasive techniques.
- Limitations include simplified models, idealized bonding, and static loading, affecting long-term performance prediction.
Conclusions:
- FEA is a valuable complementary tool for restorative decision-making when interpreted cautiously.
- Integrating FEA with experimental and clinical data enhances its clinical utility.
- FEA supports rational choices in conservative and restorative dentistry.

