RESUMEN
Finite element analysis helps to understand the biomechanical behavior of implants with different designs and material characteristics. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical behaviors of different designs and configurations of titanium (tapered or cylindric) and zirconia dental implants in the edentulous anterior maxilla through this analysis. Three-dimensional models of the edentulous maxilla, dental implants, and prosthetic structures were modeled, and different loading conditions were applied to simulate realistic conditions. A total of 6 different models were evaluated: the model (M1) in which tapered implants were located in bilaterally central-canine; the model (M2) in which tapered implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine; the model (M3) in which cylindric implants were located in bilaterally central-canine; the model (M4) in which cylindric implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine; the model (M5) in which zirconia implants were located in bilaterally central-canine and the model (M6) in which zirconia implants were located in bilaterally lateral-canine. Maximum tensile and compressive stress values were recorded at M4 under vertical loading and at M6 under oblique loading, while minimum stress values were recorded at M1 under all loading conditions. Maximum von Mises stress values under vertical and oblique loading conditions were observed at M3 and M4, while the minimum stress was observed at M1 and M2. In conclusion, zirconia implants may present a biomechanically convenient and aesthetical alternative treatment option in edentulous anterior maxilla rehabilitation compared to tapered and cylindric implants.
