[Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis of different designs of shape in all-ceramic crowns].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different occlusal thickness on the stress distribution of all-ceramic crowns of the mandibular first molar.


METHODS
Three-dimensional finite element analysis was made.


RESULTS
It was found that under the simulated applied loads, the values of tensile and shear stress varied with the occlusal thickness, and much greater values of such stresses were noticed in the all-ceramic crowns 1.0 mm in occlusal thickness, compared with those in the crowns 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm in occlusal thickness.


CONCLUSIONS
These results could serve as a theoretic foundation for the clinical application of all-ceramic crown, suggesting that the occlusal thickness of the crown should not be lower than 1.5 mm in order that the resistance of the all-ceramic crown against fracture might be strengthened.
Cheng
Bihuan
B
West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zhao
Yunfeng
Y
Wang
Huarong
H
Zhang
Jian
J
D002516:Ceramics; D003442:Crowns; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003779:Denture Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D013718:Tensile Strength
D003776:Dental Porcelain