Comparison of non-linear finite element stress analysis with in vitro strain gauge measurements on a Morse taper implant.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the mechanical and biomechanical behavior of dental Implants, validation of stress and strain measurements is required. The objective of this study was to compare a non-linear finite element stress analysis with in vitro strain gauge measurements on strains in an implant-abutment complex.


METHODS
Strain gauges were bonded to an Implant-abutment complex and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate resin. A force of 75 N was applied vertically and laterally in separate load cases, and strains were recorded with a strain indicator. Then, a finite element model of the strain gauge model was constructed. Contact analysis with normal contact detection and separation behavior was performed between the Implant and the abutment. The same loading protocol was followed, and strains were recorded at regions where gauges were bonded.


RESULTS
Under vertical loading, the qualification and quantification of strains were similar in both methods. Under lateral loading, the measurement of strains on the abutment and in the resin were similar in both methods. However, strains on the implant collar as measured by non-linear finite element analysis were higher.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a compatibility between non-linear finite element stress analysis and in vitro strain gauge analysis on the measurement of strains under vertical loading. However, there are differences between the methods in the quantification of strains on the collar of Implants under lateral loading.
Iplikçioğlu
Haldun
H
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
Akça
Kivanç
K
Cehreli
Murat C
MC
Sahin
Salme
S
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D015921:Dental Implants