Implant-Supported Fixed Partial Prostheses With Different Prosthetic Materials: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Stress Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of prosthetic material on the degree of stress to the cortical bone, trabecular bone, framework, and implants using finite element analysis (FEA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mandibular implant-supported fixed prosthesis was designed. Different prosthetic materials [cobalt-chromium-supported ceramic, zirconia-supported ceramic, and zirconia-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (ZRPMMA)-supported resin] were used. FEA was used to evaluate stress under different loading conditions. Maximum principal (σmax), minimum principal (σmin), and von Mises (σvM) stress values were obtained.

RESULTS: Similar σmax, σmin, and σvM values were observed in the cortical and trabecular bones and in implants under both loading conditions, with the exception of the ZRPMMA model, which showed the highest σmax, σmin, and σvM values in oblique loading. The ZRPMMA model had the lowest σvM value in the framework under both loading conditions.

CONCLUSION: ZRPMMA had the lowest stress values in the framework, with increased stress values in the implants and bone tissue. Framework and veneering materials may influence stress values under different loading conditions.