title: A three-dimensional finite element analysis for overdenture attachments supported by teeth and/or mini dental implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to establish the optimum design and attachment combination to support an overdenture with minimal stress and flexing produced in the alveolar bone surrounding any natural teeth and/or mini dental implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve models were included in the study: the six main models (A, B, C, D, E, and F) were categorized according to the support designs of the overdenture prosthesis, and each model was further subdivided according to the attachment combinations into model 1: with Dalbo elliptic and/or O-ring attachments only and model 2: with flexible acrylic attachments. Vertical loads (35 N) and 17.5 N lateral loads under static conditions were applied to the models to simulate the occlusal forces following the concept of lingualized occlusion. All conditions were created using a finite element software program. Maximum von Mises stress at the level of the attachments and at the bone support foundation interfaces were compared in all 12 models. The flexing of the mandible and the attachments were also compared qualitatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stress on these models was analyzed after the given loading condition. The results showed that the model with three freestanding mini dental implants and flexible acrylic attachments showed the lowest von Mises stress and flexing, while the models with four freestanding mini dental implants and O-ring attachments showed the highest von Mises stress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three freestanding mini dental implants with flexible acrylic attachment systems supporting an overdenture were better choices than four mini dental implants with O-ring attachment systems, which showed the maximum flexing and stress values in this qualitative comparison.
authors: Department of Prosthodontics and Implantology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
authors: Abdalbseet A
authors: AA
authors: Fatalla
authors: Ke
authors: K
authors: Song
authors: Tianfeng
authors: T
authors: Du
authors: Yingguang
authors: Y
authors: Cao
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology; D001732:Bite Force; D003198:Computer Simulation; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D010969:Plastics / Q000737:chemistry; D018583:Pliability; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D010969:Plastics; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium