title: [Stress distribution in abutment teeth and related tissues under different design of connector: three-dimensional finite element analysis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the stress distribution in abutment teeth and related tissues under the same material and different loading between improved major connector design and traditional major connector design.
  
  
  METHODS
  One 55-year-old male patient with unilateral maxillary first molar and second molar missing was chosen. The stress distribution in abutment teeth and related tissues were evaluated with spiral CT scanning, Mimics, Geomagic Studio software, a study model was built and finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With the improved major connector design, the stress of abutment decreased significantly, the stress of periodontal decreased, the stress of edentulous mucosa increased significantly and became more balanced, the trend of stimulated absorption of alveolar bone decreased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For patients with distal free defect of dentition, the design of improved major connector has the effect of stress interruption, can protect the abutment better, detract the stress of the denture and has an good protective effect on the edentulous mucosa and alveolar bone.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Stomatological Hospital. Shanghai 200031, China. E-mail:orallee@163.com.
authors.forename: Li-Ming
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Guo-Qiang
authors.initials: GQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003779:Denture Design; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D014070:Tooth