[Finite element contact stress analysis of simulating teeth with wedge-shaped defects in the cervical region].

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of stress of simulating teeth with wedge-shaped defects in the cervical region. METHODS: The models of anisotropic enamel of the mandibular first premolar and the opposite maxillary first premolar crown were created. A defect was introduced into the model of mandibular premolar in the buccal cervical region along the enamelo-dentinal junction. The stress distribution in the cervical region of the mandibular premolar was investigated with regard to different loading conditions simulating working, nonworking and vertical micromotions. In each case, the stroke was applied to the mandibular premolars in a stepping procedure using nonlinear contact analysis. RESULTS: The stresses were concentrated in the defect of the enamel and dentin at the enamelo-dentinal junction(EDJ) in the condition of different loading, especially in the condition of simulating lateral excursion on one contact. CONCLUSION: Undermined cervical EDJ had a significant effect on the stress distribution in the buccal cervical region.