Finite element analysis on preferable I-bar clasp shape.
An I-bar clasp is one of the most popular direct retainers for distal-extension removable partial dentures. However, no adequate information is available on preferable shape as determined by biomechanics. This study aimed (1) to investigate, by finite element analysis (FEA), the dimensions and stress of I-bar clasps having the same stiffness, and (2) to estimate a mechanically preferable clasp design. Three-dimensional FEA models of I-bar clasps were created with vertical and horizontal straight sections connected by a curved section characterized by six parameters: thickness of the clasp tip, width of the clasp tip, radius of the curvature, horizontal distance between the base and the vertical axis, vertical dimension between the tip and the horizontal axis, and taper (change of width per unit length along the axis). Stress was calculated with a concentrated load of 5 N applied 2 mm from the tip of the clasp in the buccal direction. A thinner and wider clasp having an taper of 0.020-0.023 and radius of curvature of 2.75-3.00 showed less stress. The results suggest that such a shape might be the preferable I-bar clasp shape as biomechanical viewpoint.
Sato
Y
Y
Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Hiroshima University, Faculty of Dentistry, Hiroshima, Japan. sato@ipc.hiro-shima_u.ac.jp
Tsuga
K
K
Abe
Y
Y
Asahara
S
S
Akagawa
Y
Y
D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D016734:Dental Clasps; D003779:Denture Design; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D018583:Pliability; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
D003722:Dental Alloys