The Biomechanical Effect of Different Denture Base Materials on the Articular Disc in Complete Denture Wearers: A Finite Element Analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different denture base materials on the stress distribution in TMJ articular disc (AD) in complete denture wearers.


METHODS
A three dimensional Finite Element (FEA) models of an individual temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was built on the basis CT scan. The FEA model consisted of four parts: the condyle, the articular disc, the denture base, and the articular eminence skull. Acrylic resin and chrome-cobalt denture base materials were studied. Static loading of 300N was vertically applied to the central fossa of the mandibular second premolar. Stress and strain were calculated to characterize the stress/strain patterns in the disc.


RESULTS
The maximum tensile stresses were observed in the anterior and posterior bands of (AD) on load application with the two denture base materials. The superior boundaries of the glenoid fossa showed lower stress than those on the inferior boundaries facing the condyle.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that: The denture base material may have an effect in stress-strain pattern in TMJ articular disc. The stiffer denture base material, the better the distribution of the load to the underling mandibular supporting structures & reducing stresses induced in the articular disc.
Prosthodontics Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.
Mohamed M
MM
El-Zawahry
Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Fayoum University, Egypt.
Ahmed A
AA
El-Ragi
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Research Centre, Egypt.
Mohamed I
MI
El-Anwar
Prosthodontics Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.
Eman M
EM
Ibraheem
Denture base material; Finite element analysis; TMJ Articular disc; stresses