Three-dimensional finite element analysis of Aramany Class IV obturator prosthesis with different clasp designs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution on the alveolar bone surrounding abutment teeth and the displacement of the Aramany Class IV obturator prosthesis with two different clasp designs. Three-dimensional finite element models of an Aramany Class IV maxillary defect were constructed. Two different clasp designs on an obturator prosthesis (double Akers clasps and multiple Roach clasps) and two different load conditions (vertical and horizontal) were compared. Finite element analysis was used to calculate the equivalent stress. The difference in the clasp design of the Aramany Class IV obturator prosthesis affected the stress distribution of the alveolar bone surrounding the abutment teeth and the displacement of the obturator prosthesis. Multiple Roach clasps reduced the stress distribution on the alveolar bone surrounding the abutment teeth and the displacement of the Aramany Class IV obturator prosthesis compared to double Akers clasps.

Effects of coloring agents applied during sintering on bending strength and hardness of zirconia ceramics.

The effects of coloring agents (Vita in-ceram 2000 YZ coloring liquid (VL) and IPS e.max ZirCAD (IS)) and shades (1, 3, and 5) applied during sintering on the bending strength and fracture toughness of zirconia ceramics was examined. No differences in the bending strength or fracture toughness were observed for the type of coloring agent used. Moreover, the bending strength and Vickers hardness of the zirconia ceramics decreased, while the crack length and fracture toughness did not change with the different coloring agents. The marginal borders of the indentations formed were clear and linear, and no damage, including chipping, was observed. Therefore, clinical application of zirconia ceramics can be recommended because the coloring agents and shades applied during sintering have the same effect as an opaque layer and cause no significant deterioration of the mechanical properties of the zirconia ceramics.

Effect of loading conditions on the fracture toughness of zirconia.

PURPOSE: A Vickers hardness indenter was pressed into yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) by the indentation fracture method (IF method). METHODS: The effect on the calculated Vickers hardness, fracture toughness values, and indentation fracture load (9.8, 49, 98, 196, and 294 N) was examined to deduce the optimum conditions of the IF method. Calculated Vickers hardness and fracture toughness values were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and then multiple comparisons (Scheffe). The appearance of on indentation and cracks was also evaluated using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Indentation of Y-TZP was generated by 9.8 and 49 N of indentation fracture load, however cracks could not be confirmed with the microscope attached to the Vickers hardness tester. Both indentation and cracks were observed at 98, 196 and 294 N of indentation fracture load obtained values of 7.1 and 6.8 MPam(1/2). Cracks noted at the 98 N were not clear, whereas the 196 and 294 N showed especially clear cracks. Due to the hardness of zirconia and the light loads, fracture toughness values for 9.8, 49, and 98 N could not be calculated. There was no significant difference between 196 and 294 N, when calculated fracture toughness values were analyzed with multiple comparisons. SEM revealed clear indentation and cracks, that extended linearly, but no chips or fractures were observed. Surface changes were observed at 196 and 294 N that are presumed to be accompanied by phase transition around the cracks. CONCLUSIONS: Optimum experimental conditions of the indentation fracture load in the IF method were determined as 196 and 294 N.

Accuracy of three-dimensional finite element modeling using two different dental cone beam computed tomography systems.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of dental ceramic object three dimensional (3D) finite element model constructed directly from two different dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) systems. CT scanned one 10.0 × 10.0 × 20.0 mm block and one 8.0 × 10.0 × 40.0 mm block of an 8-step wedge. All 3D finite element (FE) models were created from CT images. Each 3D FE model measured the length of the directions X, Y, and Z that corresponded to an original specimen using the measurement function between two points on the Mechanical Finder software package. The measurements and practical value were compared with the CT image and the accuracy of the reproduced measurements was examined. No significant differences were found between Alphard-3030 on the Z axis and ProMax 3D on the Y axis of the block. In addition, there were also no significant differences observed between Alphard-3030 on the Y axis and ProMax 3D on the X axis compared with Alphard-3030 on the Z axis and ProMax 3D on the Y axis for the step-wedge. The results suggest that measurement of the dimensions of cone beam CT images could be useful in applications where both good reproducibility and accuracy of FE models are required.

Measuring the effects of water immersion conditions on the durability of fiber-reinforced hybrid composite resin using static and dynamic tests.

The present study was designed to measure the durability of glass fiber-reinforced hybrid resins (FRC) in clinical applications. Accordingly, we studied the effects of static and dynamic loading as well as temperature changes inside the oral cavity, a moist environment, on the bending strength of FRC. The bending strength was measured using several tests, including an open-air bending strength test (AE), a 24-h water immersion test (WC1D), a 2-year water immersion test (WC2Y), a thermal cycling test (TC), a repeated in-water impact test at 37°C/10(5) (WI37), and a repeated in-water impact test at 55°C/10(5) (WI55). The following tests are ordered from greatest to least with respect to GF's bending strength: AE, WI37, WI55, WC1D, WC2Y, and TC. Likewise, the following tests are ordered from greatest to least with respect to EV's bending strength: AE, WC1D, WC2Y, WI37, WI55, and TC.

Effects of mechanical properties of adhesive resin cements on stress distribution in fiber-reinforced composite adhesive fixed partial dentures.

Using finite element analysis (FEA), this study investigated the effects of the mechanical properties of adhesive resin cements on stress distributions in fiber-reinforced resin composite (FRC) adhesive fixed partial dentures (AFPDs). Two adhesive resin cements were compared: Super-Bond C&B and Panavia Fluoro Cement. The AFPD consisted of a pontic to replace a maxillary right lateral incisor and retainers on a maxillary central incisor and canine. FRC framework was made of isotropic, continuous, unidirectional E-glass fibers. Maximum principal stresses were calculated using finite element method (FEM). Test results revealed that differences in the mechanical properties of adhesive resin cements led to different stress distributions at the cement interfaces between AFPD and abutment teeth. Clinical implication of these findings suggested that the safety and longevity of an AFPD depended on choosing an adhesive resin cement with the appropriate mechanical properties.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of posterior fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial denture Part 2: influence of fiber reinforcement on mesial and distal connectors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of connectors under two different loading conditions on displacement and stress distribution generated in isotropic hybrid composite fixed partial denture (C-FPD) and partially anisotropic fiber-reinforced hybrid composite fixed partial denture (FRC-FPD). To this end, two three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of three-unit FPD from mandibular second premolar to mandibular second molar - intended to replace the mandibular first molar - were developed. The two loading conditions employed were a vertical load of 629 N (applied to eight points on the occlusal surface) and a lateral load of 250 N (applied to three points of the pontic). The results suggested that the reinforcing fibers in FRC framework significantly improved the rigidity of the connectors against any twisting and bending moments induced by loading. Consequently, maximum principal stress and displacement generated in the connectors of FRC-FPD were significantly reduced because stresses generated by vertical and lateral loading were transferred to the reinforcing fibers.

Effect of cyclic impact load on shear bond strength of zirconium dioxide ceramics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of cyclic impact load and the number of load cycles on compressive shear bond strength under the three different cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following materials were used: Super Bond C&B (SB) and Panavia Fluoro Cement (PF) as adhesive resin cements, Fuji Luting (FL) as a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and zirconium dioxide ceramics as adherend. Before the shear bond test, three different impact loading conditions (compressive direction, shear direction, and no impact) and the number of load cycles (1 to 106 cycles), were performed. A total of 189 specimens (n = 3/group) were randomly assigned to groups and tested. A cyclic impact test was performed by applying a load of 98N at a distance of 40 mm and a loading cycle frequency of 1 Hz. All results were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Shear bond strengths of SB, PF, and FL subjected to no cyclic impact load were 21.6 to 53.8 MPa in SB, 27.0 to 63.6 MPa in PF, and 20.0 to 35.9 MPa in FL. The shear bond strength of SB and PF increased to a certain degree from one to 105 cycles, while FL did likewise from one to 104 cycles. CONCLUSION: The shear bond strengths of SB, PF, and FL were greatest without cyclic impact, followed by compressive and then shear cyclic impact.

The effect of surface treatment on bond strength of layering porcelain and hybrid composite bonded to zirconium dioxide ceramics.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between Rocatec (as surface treatment) and #600 polishing (as control) on shear bond strength of layering porcelain and hybrid composite to zirconium dioxide ceramics. METHODS: Manufactured zirconia blocks used in this study were yttrium partially stabilized zirconia (YTZ(®)), and veneering materials were NobelRondo Zirconia Dentin A2 High Value (NZR) and Estenia C&B (ES). Total 48 zirconia blocks were fabricated (10 mm × 10 mm × 20 mm). The blocks of 24 each were treated by Rocatec and #600 paper, respectively. Surface treated zirconia blocks were divided into two groups, according to veneering materials of NZR and ES. NZR was fired and ES was polymerized to zirconia. The fabricated specimen was fixed to mounting jig and applied shear force using the universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. All results were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. EPMA analysis and SPM analysis of specimen interface were carried out. RESULTS: Mean shear bond strength of each condition was: NZR/#600; 23.3 (S.D. ±7.0) MPa, NZR/Rocatec; 26.9 (S.D. ±7.0) MPa, ES/#600; 10.7 (S.D.±2.4) MPa, ES/Rocatec; 12.5 (S.D.±0.8) MPa. CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study, shear bond strength of layering porcelain to zirconia was higher than that of restorative hybrid resin. However the more study will be needed, the appropriate choice of materials became the gides to the expansion of the applied cases of metal-free prothesis.

Framework design of an anterior fiber-reinforced hybrid composite fixed partial denture: a 3D finite element study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal design of a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) framework to obtain the maximum reinforcement for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) under three different loading conditions using three-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis. materials and methods: A three-unit FPD replacing the maxillary right lateral incisor was constructed using FE analysis software (ANSYS 10.0, ANSYS). A fiber framework of the pontic was designed with three variations: with the main framework curved labially (FRC1), located in the center (FRC2), or curved lingually (FRC3). Each framework was compared with a hybrid composite FPD without any fiber reinforcement (C-FPD). A lateral load was applied to the three different loading points of the pontic 0 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm from the incisal edge, each representing loading conditions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. RESULTS: Localized high stress concentration was observed around the connectors under all loading conditions. In all FRC-FPD models, the FRC framework showed stress-bearing capacity for the FPD. The highest stress reduction ratio under all loading conditions was obtained using the FRC1 model. The FRC1 framework also best reduced displacement of the framework. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the optimum design of an FRC framework is to labially curve the FRC of the main framework at the region of the pontic.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of metal and FRC adhesive fixed dental prostheses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in anterior adhesive fixed dental prostheses (FDP) and at the tooth/framework interface. Metal (M-FDP) and glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC-FDP) frameworks were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design of the FDP consisted of retainers on a maxillary central incisor and canine with a pontic of a lateral incisor. Two different framework materials were compared: isotropic Au-Pd alloy and anisotropic continuous unidirectional E-glass FRC. Veneers in both cases were made of isotropic veneering hybrid composite. A 3-dimensional finite element model of a 3-unit FDP loaded with 154 N (at a 45-degree angle to the incisal edge of the pontic) was used to analyze stress distribution in the FDP and at the adhesive interface. A finite element analysis was used in calculation of the maximum principal stress and displacement. RESULTS: The maximum displacement of FRC-FDP was higher than that of M-FDP. Stress concentrations were located equally in the connectors and at the occluding contact points in both framework types. Maximum principal stress of FRC-FDP was lower than that of M-FDP. Stress analysis further indicated that the maximum stress in the luting cement interface of FRC-FDP was located at the middle part of the retainers, whereas in the M-FDP, the maximum stress was located at the marginal edge of the retainers. CONCLUSION: The FE model revealed differences in displacement and stress distribution between metal and FRC frameworks of FDP. The general observation was that FRC-FDP provided more even stress distribution from the occluding contact point to the cement interface than did M-FDP.

Machining accuracy of crowns by CAD/CAM system using TCP/IP: influence of restorative material and scanning condition.

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal condition for fabricating accurate crowns efficiently using an internet-based CAD/CAM system. The influences of three different CAD/CAM restorative materials (titanium, porcelain, and composite resin) and three different step-over scanning distances (0.01 mm, 0.11 mm, and 0.21 mm) were evaluated, and their interactive effects were carefully examined. Several points on the inner and outer surfaces of machined crowns - as well as height - were measured. These measurements were then compared with the original models, from which machining accuracy was obtained. At all measuring points, the inner surface of all crowns was machined larger than the die model, whereas the cervical area of porcelain crown was machined smaller than the crown model. Results of this study revealed that a step-over distance of 0.11 mm was an optimal scanning condition, taking into consideration the interactive effects of scanning time required, data volume, and machining accuracy.

Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin Prosthesis to Restore Missing Posterior Teeth: A Case Report.

A fiber-reinforced composite inlay-onlay FPD was used for a single posterior tooth replacement in a patient refusing implant for psychological reasons. The FRC-FPD was made of pre-impregnated E-glass fibers (everStick, StickTeck, Turku, Finland) embedded in a resin matrix (Stick Resin, StickTeck, Turku, Finland). The unidirectional glass fibers were used to make a framework structure with high volume design placed in the pontic (edentulous) region. To reproduce the morphology of natural teeth, the framework structure was then veneered with Gradia (GC, Tokyo, Japan).