title: Stress concentration in all-ceramic posterior fixed partial dentures.
abstract: Two-dimensional finite-element analysis was used to study levels and distribution patterns of stress within three-unit fixed partial dentures (mandibular first premolar to first molar) constructed of different materials (Type III gold alloy, Dicor, and In-Ceram) and with different connector heights (3.0 mm versus 4.0 mm). In the computer models, 10 MPa of stress was applied centrally to the prosthesis. Resultant von Mises stresses were concentrated within the connectors; the greatest stress occurred at the axial location of the connector. Stresses were 40% to 50% lower for 4.0-mm connectors. Patterns of stress distribution were similar for premolar and molar connectors. Stress levels within In-Ceram models were lower than for the other two materials and represented a lower percentage of the ultimate strength of the material. Based on a two-dimensional finite-element analysis model, In-Ceram would appear to be the best choice for posterior fixed partial dentures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kamposiora
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Papavasiliou
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Bayne
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Felton
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D001641:Bicuspid; D001732:Bite Force; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D006047:Gold Alloys; D008334:Mandible; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical
chemical_list: C047475:Dicor ceramic; D006047:Gold Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain; C070870:In-Ceram; D000537:Aluminum Oxide