RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distribution of all ceramic posterior fixed partial denture using a three dimensional finite element method. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A three dimensional finite element model was created to demonstrate all-ceramic posterior fixed partial denture and then this computer model measured the stress distribution of the all ceramic bridges which has a ceramic core materials such as Zirconia, IPS Empress 2, In-Ceram zirconia, Metal-Ceramic. Also the stress distribution was examined according to loading sites when force was applied to sites such as the central area of second premolar, the mesial connector of pontic, the central fossa of pontic, the distal connector of pontic, and the central fossa of second molar. RESULTS: 1. In all the materials of the core in this study, von Mises stress indicated that the stress increased as force was applied to loaded sites, just at those points, on the connector, and the margin in the area adjacent to the connectors. 2. The maximum principal stress was much higher in the lower part of the connectors than in any other region. 3. As the load was applied to the different locations, the research showed a consistent increase of stress in the lower connectors. The maximum value of the von Mises stress was two or three times greater when the load was applied directly to the connectors rather than indirectly through another stressed region. 4. In the case of In-Ceram zirconia, the stress in lower connectors was the highest of all the reference points, the stress showed 75% of all the maximum stress. Ziconia showed 72%, Metal-Ceramic 67% and IPS Empress 2 50%. 5. In the case of Ziconia, the stress was well dispersed in each reference point that the stress differences were smaller when compared to In-Cream ziconia.