According to the variables determined using Latin hypercube sampling, 500 FE models were constructed and analyzed under each of the loads following the construction of response surfaces with the MES as a response value. D and L were minimized by optimized calculation with the MES limited to the physiological limit with reference to the mechanostat theory.Results: The MES was significantly influenced by D more than L, and could be restricted to the physiological limit unless both C and T were small.
Finite Element ModelWe created three-dimensional finite element models (Fig. 1) 2). The superstructure of the implant prosthesis was simplified and consisted of gold alloy. All components, the bone, the superstructure, the abutment, and the implant body, were assumed to be fixed to each other.The models consisted of approximately 84,000 nodes and 80,000 hexahedron elements on average. All elements were homogenous and isotropic. The properties of the materials (Table 1) were based on previous studies. The nodes on the mesial and distal sections of the mandible were restrained in all directions.
Loading Conditions