Lifetime prediction of all-ceramic bridges by computational methods.
There has been limited use of ceramic materials for all-ceramic posterior bridges. Major reasons are the low strength, the strength scatter, and the time-dependent strength decrease of ceramics due to slow crack growth. The objective of this study was to predict the long-term failure probability and loading capability of all-ceramic bridges (Empress 1, Empress 2, In-Ceram Alumina, and ZrO(2)) by computational techniques. The lifetimes of different bridge model designs were predicted by means of the NASA post-processor CARES. Bridges made of zirconia showed a very high mechanical long-term reliability. Empress I and InCeram Alumina seem to be insufficient as posterior bridge materials based on this prediction. The lifetime of the all-ceramic bridges can be significantly increased by improving the design in the connector area. We conclude that computational techniques can help to judge a ceramic material and a specific ceramic bridge design with respect to mechanical reliability before clinical use.
Fischer
H
H
Department of Dental Prosthetics, Section of Dental Materials, University of Technology Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. h.fischer@rwth-aachen.de
Weber
M
M
Marx
R
R
D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D001641:Bicuspid; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D008422:Materials Testing; D008963:Molar; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015040:Zirconium
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; C118557:Empress 2; C075815:IPS-Empress ceramic; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D003776:Dental Porcelain; C070870:In-Ceram; D015040:Zirconium; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; C028541:zirconium oxide