Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Anterior Single Implant-Supported Prostheses with Different Bone Anchorages.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution of monocortical and bicortical implant placement of external hexagon connection in the anterior region of the maxilla by 3D finite element analysis (FEA). 3D models were simulated to represent a bone block of anterior region of the maxilla containing an implant (4.0 × 10.0 mm) and an implant-supported cemented metalloceramic crown of the central incisor. Different techniques were tested (monocortical, bicortical, and bicortical associated with nasal floor elevation). FEA was performed in FEMAP/NeiNastran software using loads of 178 N at 0°, 30°, and 60° in relation to implant long axis. The von Mises, maximum principal stress, and displacement maps were plotted for evaluation. Similar stress patterns were observed for all models. Oblique loads increased the stress concentration on fixation screws and in the cervical area of the implants and bone around them. Bicortical technique showed less movement tendency in the implant and its components. Cortical bone of apical region showed increase of stress concentration for bicortical techniques. Within the limitations of this study, oblique loading increased the stress concentrations for all techniques. Moreover, bicortical techniques showed the best biomechanical behavior compared with monocortical technique in the anterior maxillary area.

Step-stress analysis for predicting dental ceramic reliability.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that step-stress analysis is effective to predict the reliability of an alumina-based dental ceramic (VITA In-Ceram AL blocks) subjected to a mechanical aging test. METHODS: Bar-shaped ceramic specimens were fabricated, polished to 1µm finish and divided into 3 groups (n=10): (1) step-stress accelerating test; (2) flexural strength-control; (3) flexural strength-mechanical aging. Specimens from group 1 were tested in an electromagnetic actuator (MTS Evolution) using a three-point flexure fixture (frequency: 2Hz; R=0.1) in 37°C water bath. Each specimen was subjected to an individual stress profile, and the number of cycles to failure was recorded. A cumulative damage model with an inverse power law lifetime-stress relation and Weibull lifetime distribution were used to fit the fatigue data. The data were used to predict the stress level and number of cycles for mechanical aging (group 3). Groups 2 and 3 were tested for three-point flexural strength (σ) in a universal testing machine with 1.0MPa/s stress rate, in 37°C water. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test. RESULTS: Step-stress data analysis showed that the profile most likely to weaken the specimens without causing fracture during aging (95% CI: 0-14% failures) was: 80MPa stress amplitude and 10(5) cycles. The median σ values (MPa) for groups 2 (493±54) and 3 (423±103) were statistically different (p=0.009). SIGNIFICANCE: The aging profile determined by step-stress analysis was effective to reduce alumina ceramic strength as predicted by the reliability estimate, confirming the study hypothesis.

Measuring bond strength between fiber post and root dentin: a comparison of different tests.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of bond strength tests to accurately measure the bond strength of fiber posts luted into root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the test methods studied were hourglass microtensile (HM), push-out (PS), modified pushout (MP), and pull-out (PL). The evaluated parameters were: bond strength values, reliability (using Weibull analysis), failure mode (using confocal microscopy), and stress distribution (using finite element analysis). Forty human intact single-rooted and endodontically treated teeth were divided into four groups. Each group was assigned one of the test methods. The samples in the HM and PS groups were 1.0 ± 0.1 mm thick; the HM samples were hourglass shaped and the PS samples were disk shaped. For the PL and MP groups, each 1-mm dentin slice was luted with a fiber post piece. Three-dimensional models of each group were made and stress was analyzed based on Von Mises criteria. RESULTS: PL provided the highest values of bond strength, followed by MP, both of which also had greater amounts of adhesive failures. PS showed the highest frequency of cohesive failures. MP showed a more homogeneous stress distribution and a higher Weibull modulus. CONCLUSION: the specimen design directly influences the biomechanical behavior of bond strength tests.

Influence of restorative technique on the biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated maxillary premolars. Part I: fracture resistance and fracture mode.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Unresolved controversy exists concerning the preferred cavity design and restorative technique used to restore endodontically treated maxillary premolars to improve their resistance to fracture under occlusal load. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance, stress distribution, and cusp deformation of endodontically treated human maxillary premolars restored with different materials. The study is divided into 2 parts. In Part I, fracture resistance and fracture mode were determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy noncarious human maxillary premolars were selected and divided into 7 groups (n=10). The control group, ST, consisted of sound unprepared teeth. Teeth in the other 6 groups were endodontically treated and each received 1 of 2 cavity preparation designs: MODd, direct mesio-occlusal-distal preparation; MODi, indirect mesio-occlusal-distal preparation. Teeth were restored with 4 types of material: AM, MODd restored with amalgam; CR, MODd restored with composite resin; LPR, MODi restored with laboratory-processed composite resin; and LGC, MODi restored with leucite-reinforced glass ceramic. The fracture resistance (N) was assessed under compressive load in a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha =.05). Fracture modes were recorded based on the degree of tooth structure involvement and restoration damage. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the ST group presented the highest fracture resistance values. The restored groups showed significantly higher fracture resistance values compared to the nonrestored groups. The groups restored with adhesive techniques (LPR, CR, and LGC) presented significantly higher fracture resistance values than the group restored with the nonadhesive technique (AM) (P<.001). The catastrophic fractures were prevalent in MODd, MODi, AM, and LPR groups, and less severe fractures were found in ST and LGC groups. For the CR group, there was no prevalent fracture mode. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth with the greatest amount of remaining tooth structure and those restored using adhesive technology showed higher fracture resistance values. There was great variation in the type of fracture among groups.