title: The effect of prosthesis length and implant diameter on the stress distribution in tooth-implant-supported prostheses: a finite element analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to compare the stress distribution of tooth-implant-supported prostheses (TISPs) and solely implant-supported prostheses (ISPs) with two different pontic spans (three units versus four units).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-dimensional finite element models were constructed from the radiographs of polyester resin casts to mimic TISPs and ISPs. In all, eight models were analyzed. Occlusal loads of 15 N and 30 N were applied to the premolars and molars, respectively. The lateral and inferior borders of the models were constrained, with all degrees of freedom equal to zero. Eight-node elements with plane strain assumption were used for simulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors found that TISPs with a short span and wider-diameter implants resulted in more homogenous stress distribution and less stress concentration on the implants. The long span yielded higher stress concentrations on the implants and between the pontics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In all models analyzed, stress concentrations were present in the implants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. gustavo_apaula@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Gustavo Assis
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: de Paula
authors.forename: Adérito Soares
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: da Mota
authors.forename: Allyson Nogueira
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Cláudia Silami
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: de Magahlães
authors.forename: Tulimar Pereira Machado
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Cornacchia
authors.forename: Carlos Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Cimini
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar