title: Biomechanical effect of a zirconia dental implant-crown system: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the stresses in two different bone-implant interface conditions in anisotropic three-dimensional finite element models (FEMs) of an osseointegrated implant of either commercially pure titanium or yttrium-partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ) in combination with different superstructures (gold alloy or Y-PSZ crown) in the posterior maxilla.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three-dimensional FEMs were created of a first molar section of the maxilla into which was embedded an implant, connected to an abutment and superstructure, using commercial software. Two versions of the FEM were constructed; these allowed varying assignment of properties (either a bonded and or a contact interface), so that all experimental variables could be investigated in eight groups. Compact and cancellous bone were modeled as fully orthotropic and transversely isotropic, respectively. Oblique (200-N vertical and 40-N horizontal) occlusal loading was applied at the central and distal fossae of the crown.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximum von Mises and compressive stresses in the compact bone in the two interfaces were lower in the zirconia implant groups than in the titanium implant groups. A similar pattern of stress distribution in cancellous bone was observed, not only on the palatal side of the platform but also in the apical area of both types of implants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The biomechanical parameters of the new zirconia implant generated a performance similar to that of the titanium implant in terms of displacement, stresses on the implant, and the bone-implant interface; therefore, it may be a viable alternative, especially for esthetic regions.
authors: Department of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Chih-Ling
authors: CL
authors: Chang
authors: Chen-Sheng
authors: CS
authors: Chen
authors: Tze Cheung
authors: TC
authors: Yeung
authors: Ming-Lun
authors: ML
authors: Hsu
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D003442:Crowns; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003722:Dental Alloys; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006047:Gold Alloys; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000502:physiology; D008963:Molar; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology*; D012984:Software; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014025:Titanium; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium
chemical_list: D003722:Dental Alloys; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D006047:Gold Alloys; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium; D014025:Titanium; C028541:zirconium oxide