The finite element method (FEM) involves a series of computational procedures to calculate the stress in each element, which performs a model solution. Such a structural analysis allows the determination of stress resulting from external force, pressure, thermal change, and other factors. This method is extremely useful for indicating mechanical aspects of biomaterials and human tissues that can hardly be measured in vivo. The results obtained can then be studied using visualization software within the FEM environment to view a variety of parameters, and to fully identify implications of the analysis. Objective: An overview to show application of FEM in dentistry was undertaken. Literature review: This paper shows the basic concept, advances, advantages, limitations and applications of finite element method (FEM) in dentistry. Conclusion: It is extremely important to verify what the purpose of the study is in order to correctly apply FEM.

Objective: The aim of this study to investigate the effects of different polymerization protocols on the cuspal movement in class II composite restorations. Materials and methods:Human premolar teeth were prepared with class II cavities and then restored with composite and three-step and two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems under different curing techniques (n = 10). It was used a lightemitting-diode curing unit and the mode of polymerization were: standard (exposure for 40 seconds at 700 mW/cm 2 ), pulse-delay (initial exposure for 6 seconds at 350 mW/cm 2 followed by a resting period of 3 minutes and a final exposure of 37 seconds at 700 mW/cm 2 ) and soft-start curing (exposure 10 seconds at 350 mW/cm 2 and 35 seconds at 700 mW/cm 2 ). The cuspal distance (µm) was measured before and after the restorative procedure and the difference was recorded as cuspal movement. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). Results:The type of adhesive system did not influenced the cuspal movement for all the curing methods. Standard protocol showed the highest values of cuspal movement and was statistically different from the pulse-delay and soft-start curing modes. Conclusion:Although the cuspal displacement was not completely avoided, alternative methods of photocuring should be considered to minimize the clinical consequences of composites contraction stress.

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and bur on the bond strength of different single step self-etch adhesive systems in normal and artificially hypermineralized dentin. In total, 112 human molars were selected. The specimens were randomly divided into two different groups according to the type of dentin. The teeth from each group were randomly divided into two subgroups according to the adhesive system used: Clearfil S3 Bond and Optibond All in One. Each subgroup received different treatments: (1) conditioning conventional; (2) conditioning of the dentin surface with Er,Cr:YSGG  +  application of the adhesive system; (3) ‘surface roughening’ dentin with 3098 diamond bur  +  application of the adhesive system. The matrices were positioned, filled with composite resin and photoactivated for 40 s. After a storage period of 24 h in a humid environment, the specimens were submitted to microshear bond strength testing. Subsequently, the fracture pattern of each sample was determined. One specimen per group was prepared in order to evaluate the interface and/or appearance of resin tags. The data of the microshear bond strength (μSBS) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s (p  <0.05). In the hypermineralized dentin, there was no significant statistical difference between all the treatments employed, enhancing the option of employing single step self-etch adhesives in dentin sclerotic.