Biomechanical aspects of prosthetic treatment of structurally compromised teeth.
OBJECTIVE
This article presents clinical guidelines for restoring structurally compromised teeth and dentitions to reduce the risk for fatigue-caused failures in connection with prosthetic reconstructions.


METHODS
Based on the best scientific evidence available and clinical expertise acquired through experience and practice, biomechanical principles are elucidated from a prosthetic aspect.


RESULTS
In prosthetic treatment in the structurally compromised dentition, all efforts need to be focused on protecting the abutments and reconstruction from future fatigue failures. A modified, "therapeutic" occlusion to avoid nonaxial forces may then be prudent.


CONCLUSIONS
By lending the prosthesis a favorable occlusal design, the nonaxial forces may be markedly reduced, and the teeth, cement, and restorative materials will be less susceptible to fatigue failures.
Torbjörner
Annika
A
Clinic for Prosthodontics, Specialist Center, Uddevalla Hospital, Sweden. annika.torbjorner@vgregion.se
Fransson
Bo
B
D000044:Dental Abutments; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D006801:Humans; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital