Designing anterior cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses based on finite element analysis

Abstract

A resin-bonded bridge (RBB) is a minimally invasive prosthetic treatment option for intact adjacent teeth. However, it is contentious as to whether the mesial or distal adjacent tooth should be used as an abutment. This study aimed to investigate the potential of finite element analysis (FEA) for the selection of abutment teeth and the determination of the optimal design for anterior cantilever RBBs. Methods: Three types of RBBs were designed to simulate loss of the maxillary left lateral incisor. The fixed-fixed RBB (FF-RBB) had one retainer each for the left central incisor and canine. Distal-and mesial-cantilever RBBs (D-CRBB and M-CRBB) had a single retainer on the central incisor and canine, respectively. Three-dimensional models for FEA were generated from computed tomography slices and dental casts. FEA was performed for each RBB to evaluate stresses in the intercuspal, protrusive, and lateral mandibular positions. Results:The maximum principal stresses on the bridges in the intercuspal position were 141.9 MPa, 93.6 MPa, and 45.7 MPa, for the FF-RBB, D-CRBB, and M-CRBB, respectively. The stress in the D-CRBB position was greater than in the M-CRBB position in the intercuspal, protrusive, and lateral mandibular positions. Conclusions: Based on the results, M-CRBB on the canine had a higher clinical performance than D-CRBB on the central incisor. FEA was useful for determining the optimal design of RBB for each patient.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Resin-Bonded Bridge: Performance Analysis and Science Mapping

“…It can be incorporated with different loads in different designs of prostheses to evaluate the effect on the abutment teeth as well as surrounding tissue (16,35). Kihara et al, who used FEA to design an anterior cantilever RBB, concluded that FEA was useful for determining the optimal design of RBB for each patient (15). It is also anticipated that more research on the incorporation of new technology in designing the prosthesis using computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing the prosthesis using computeraided manufacturing (CAM) techniques will generate new interest in RBB research in evaluating longevity and publication of the United States and international prosthodontic organisations (31).…”

“…The emergence of new technology in prosthesis fabrication, new broad material selection, and improvement of the dental adhesive system and luting cement help prolong the overall longevity of RBB and provide new options for RBB fabrication (12)(13)(14). In addition, the use of three-dimensional finite element analysis helps researchers gain a better understanding of the biomechanical behaviour of the restorations with respect to the different designs and materials used for RBB prior to the clinical study (15,16).…”