ABSTRACT
Aim: it was to use tridimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to analyze the effect of height and angulation of prosthetic preparations on the distribution of stresses for lithium disilicate prosthetic crowns, the underlying resin cement, and the prosthetic preparation of a superior central incisor. Methods: a CAD modeling software, SolidWorks 2013, was used to generate three-dimensional virtual models comprising the dimensions of the preparation parameters. Three angles (6, 12 and 16 degrees) were simulated on the prepared walls and two wall heights were utilized (4 and 5 mm), for a total of six model groups according to the height and angulation of the walls. A vertical line in the Y-axis was used as a reference for determining the degrees of convergence (inclination of the preparations). The chamfer finish and preparation width were standardized for all groups. Results: the 4 mm preparations behaved more appropriately when the axial wall convergence was approximately 6 degrees. The 5 mm preparations required 12 degrees of angulation. In relation to resin cement, there was better stress distribution when the angle of incisal convergence was between 6 and 12 degrees. An increase to 16 degrees led to a considerable increase in peak stress at the preparation margin. Conclusion: it was concluded that the convergence of the axial walls of coronal preparations with 4 and 5 mm heights should be 6 and 12 degrees, respectively, to avoid high tension spikes in the underlying resin cement