title: Screw loading and gap formation in implant supported fixed restorations: Procera implant bridge vs. conventionally cast screw-retained restorations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  It was the purpose of this finite element analysis to compare the implant-restoration connection created by Procera Implant Bridge (PIB) and conventional screw-retained prostheses with respect to screw loading and gap formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Finite element models representing a conventional screw-retained restoration and a PIB were set up. A horizontal load of 200N was applied on the restorations while resulting gap formation and screw loading was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increasing the preload of the retaining screws led to a decrease in gap formation. Smaller gaps were observed in the conventional restorations. Loading of the screws was of comparable magnitudes in both cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of screw-retained implant-supported restorations representing butt-joint connections at the restorative interface may result in increased gap formation.
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Werner
authors: W
authors: Winter
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Karl
mesh_terms: D059605:Dental Implant-Abutment Design / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans