Examination of stress distribution and fracture resistance in five-unit tooth- and implant-supported partial fixed zirconia prosthesis

Abstract

In this study, stress distribution and fracture strength values of zirconia frameworks were compared in five-unit tooth- and implant-supported fixed zirconia prosthesis. Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis and static non-linear analysis were used. Because of the boundary conditions determined for these methods, the tooth- and implant-supported models only included the regions of tooth numbers 43–47. The highest stress value (901.845 MPa) was measured in Model 1 (five-unit tooth-supported fixed zirconia bridge) at the mesial gingival neck area of restoration number 45. This stress value was within the ultimate strength of zirconia (900–1200 MPa). Stress values for connector regions were not in the ultimate strength value of zirconia. Stress values in the tooth-supported fixed zirconia bridge were more than the values in the implant-supported fixed zirconia bridge. The highest stresses in Model 2 (five-unit implant-supported fixed zirconia bridge) occurred in the restoration that the model was installed on. The obtained results showed that five-unit tooth-supported posterior zirconia fixed bridge prostheses are not recommended and that the second premolar region is most seriously affected in terms of stress.