Three-dimensional computerized stress analysis of commercially pure titanium and yttrium-partially stabilized zirconia implants.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional finite element analysis to analyze stress distribution patterns in Re-Implant implants made of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and yttrium-partially stabilized zirconia (YPSZ).


METHODS
Two three-dimensional finite element analysis models of a maxillary incisor with Re-Implant implants were made, surrounded by cortical and cancellous bone. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown for the cpTi implant and a ceramic crown for the YPSZ implant were modeled. Stress levels were calculated according to the von Mises criteria.


RESULTS
Higher stresses were observed at the area where the implant entered the bone. Stresses were higher at the facial and lingual surfaces than the proximal ones. In cortical bone and at the junction of cortical and cancellous bone, stress distribution presented a pattern of alternating higher (4.0 to 5.0 MPa) and lower (1.3 to 2.0 MPa) stress areas. Higher stresses were found at the apical third of the implant-to-bone junction as well.


CONCLUSIONS
Re-Implant implants presented a pattern of low, well-distributed stresses along the entire implant-to-bone interface. YPSZ implants had very similar stress distribution to cpTi implants and may be viable esthetic alternatives, especially in maxillary anterior regions.
Kohal
Ralf-Joachim
RJ
Department of Prosthodontics, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. kohal@uni-freiburg.de
Papavasiliou
George
G
Kamposiora
Phophi
P
Tripodakis
Aris
A
Strub
Jörg Rudolf
JR
D002516:Ceramics; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003442:Crowns; D015921:Dental Implants; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007180:Incisor; D008422:Materials Testing; D008437:Maxilla; D014025:Titanium; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium
D015921:Dental Implants; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium; D014025:Titanium