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Biomechanical comparison between Y-TZP and titanium dental implants using finite element analysis
Melody Chase-Diaz1, Bruno Agostinho Hernandez2, Pedro Rodrigues Minim3
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru, Brazil.
Summary
Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) dental implants show lower strain under oblique loads compared to titanium implants. This biomechanical study highlights material stiffness effects on strain distribution in dental implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Implantology
- Finite Element Analysis
Background:
- Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) implants offer aesthetic and mechanical advantages over traditional titanium (Ti) implants.
- Understanding the biomechanical behavior of Y-TZP implants is crucial for evaluating their clinical potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the elastic strain distribution in Y-TZP and Ti dental implants under axial and oblique loading conditions using finite element analysis.
- To evaluate the influence of implant material stiffness on strain patterns in the peri-implant bone, implant body, and abutment screw.
Main Methods:
- Developed and utilized two validated finite element models with identical configurations, differing only in implant material (Y-TZP vs. Ti).
- Applied axial and 30° oblique loads of 300 N to the models.
- Analyzed equivalent, maximum principal, and minimum principal elastic strains in critical components.
Main Results:
- Under axial loading, both Y-TZP and Ti implants exhibited similar peri-implant bone strain patterns, with peak values around 5 millistrain.
- Under oblique loading, Y-TZP implants demonstrated significantly lower equivalent elastic strain in the implant body (approx. 1.3 millistrain) compared to Ti implants (approx. 3.0 millistrain).
- The Y-TZP model also showed reduced regions of elevated strain in the abutment screw under oblique loading.
Conclusions:
- Implant material stiffness, specifically the difference between Y-TZP and Ti, influences elastic strain distribution, particularly under oblique loading conditions.
- These numerical findings suggest potential biomechanical benefits for Y-TZP implants under specific loading scenarios.
- Further research is recommended to investigate cyclic loading, fracture, fatigue, interface stability, and patient-specific bone conditions for comprehensive clinical performance evaluation.
