A comparison of three-dimensional finite element stress analysis with in vitro strain gauge measurements on dental implants.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of three-dimensional finite element stress analysis and in vitro strain gauge analysis in the measurement of strains on a dental implant.


METHODS
Two vertically placed implants embedded in a poly(methyl methacrylate) model were used. Strain gauges were bonded to the cervical parts of the implants, and seven cement-retained fixed partial dentures were fabricated. A three-dimensional model of the strain gauge analysis model was constructed, and an additional model in which human bone simulation was provided was also constructed. A static vertical load of 50 N was applied at certain locations to simulate centrally positioned axial and laterally positioned axial loading for strain gauge analysis and three-dimensional finite element stress analysis.


RESULTS
Statistically significant increases in strain levels were recorded between loading types in the strain gauge analysis (P < .05). Strains obtained from strain gauge analysis were higher than for three-dimensional finite element stress analysis. There was a remarkable difference between the two finite element models under the conditions of laterally positioned axial loading.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences regarding the quantification of strains between strain gauge analysis and three-dimensional finite element stress analysis. However, there is a mutual agreement and compatibility between three-dimensional finite element stress analysis and in vitro strain gauge analysis on the determination of the quality of induced strains under applied load.
Akça
Kivanç
K
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. kivanc.akca@veezy.com
Cehreli
Murat C
MC
Iplikçioglu
Haldun
H
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019245:Compressive Strength; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008954:Models, Biological; D003765:Models, Dental
D015921:Dental Implants