Photoelastic stress analysis of self-threading pins

In this laboratory study six self-threading retention pins were evaluated using the two-dimensional photoelastic technique. The experimental samples consisted of 60 blocks of PSM-1 photoelastic material measuring 1" by 1" by 1/4". The samples were divided into six groups of 10 blocks each, with each group representing one of the pins used in the study. Pins were inserted and cores of amalgam and composite were fabricated over the pins. The samples were observed in the polariscope and photographed after pin insertion and after loading the cores with a constant, compressive force of 20 pounds. Using magnification, fringe orders were counted and rounded to the highest 0.5 fringe order. Each sample was evaluated for apical and shoulder stress. All statistical analyses were done using ANOVA at the P = 0.05 significance level. It was concluded from this study that the insertion of self-threading retention pins results in stress at the apical and shoulder areas of the pin. Pin design features, such as shoulder stops, significantly affect the magnitude and location of stress. There were no significant differences in either the apical or shoulder stresses induced when cores were made of either amalgam or composite resin.