Biomechanical evaluation of shield design in multiple anterior implant restorations: A three-dimensional finite element analysis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2026
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
Qianqian Zuo1, Haidong Teng2, Yuanli Zhang3
1Graduate student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; and Graduate student, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin, PR China.
Statement Of Problem:
The socket shield technique (SST) has demonstrated benefits in preserving esthetic outcomes. However, the biomechanical behavior associated with its application in multiple adjacent implant restorations remains unclear.
Purpose:
The purpose of this finite element analysis study was to evaluate the biomechanical influence of classic and Half-C shield designs in bilateral maxillary central incisor and combined central-lateral incisor implant restorations and to provide biomechanical evidence to support shield selection in multitooth SST applications.
Material And Methods:
A 3-dimensional model of the complete maxilla was reconstructed. Two common anterior implant restoration scenarios were simulated: bilateral central incisors and combined central-lateral incisors. Classic and Half-C shields were generated, and 8 finite element models were constructed. Time-dependent loading was applied to the crowns. Stress distributions in the implant region and strain distributions in the surrounding bone were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using a general linear model univariate procedure (α=.05).
Results:
The Half-C shield exhibited lower overall stress and produced a more balanced strain distribution than the classic shield. Shield type and socket aspects both significantly influenced the strain in the surrounding bone (P<.001). The Half-C configuration reduced mesiodistal strain and showed synergistic stress-relieving effects when applied on both teeth.
Conclusions:
The Half-C shield provided biomechanical advantages by reducing peak stress and moderating strain distribution, indicating better mechanical performance than the classic shield and supporting its use in 2-tooth restorations.