Compressive strains and displacement in a partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with two different treatment modalities

Abstract

Background: Understanding of the biomechanical consequences of the stresses generated to the supporting bone during occlusal loading is significant for improving the design and clinical planning process in partial edentulism therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of strain and displacement on the partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with an partial denture (RPD) and to compare it to the strain and displacement distribution on a partially dentate lower jaw rehabilitated with a cantilever fixed partial denture (FPD). Material and methods: The experimental models were a partially dentate mandible with full-arch PFM crowns and RPD and a partially dentate mandible rehabilitated with a full-arch cantilever FPD. Strains and displacement were measured using the Digital Image Correlation Method. Results: Displacement values of the first experimental model ranged from 0.31 to 0.54 mm with strains from 1.35 to 2.34%. Analysis of the second experimental model results showed displacement values from 0 to 0.34 mm, while strains were in the range of 0-1.40%. Conclusion: Higher displacements and strains of bone tissue were observed below the RPD, especially in the region of the distal abutment and distal portion of the free-end saddle. Strains within bone and the bone-denture contact area were mostly influenced by the teeth and denture vertical displacement.