Photoelastic stress analysis of implants according to fixture design

Mun, So Hee; Kim, Nan Young; Kim, Yu Lee; Cho, Hye Won

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern and the magnitude of stress distribution in the supporting tissues surrounding three different types of implants(ITI, 3i, and Bicon implant system). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Photoelastic models were made with PL-2 resin(Measurements Group, Raleigh, USA) and three implants of each kind were placed in the mandibular posterior edentulous area distal to the canine . For non-splinted restorations, individual crowns were fabricated on three titanium abutments. For splinted restorations, 3-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated. Photoelastic stress analyses were carried out to measure the fringe order around the implant supporting structure under simulated loaded conditions(15 lb, 30 lb).
CONCLUSION
The results were as follows; 1. Regardless of the implant design, stresses were increased in the apex region of loaded implant when non-splinted restorations were loaded. While relatively even stress distribution occurred with splinted restorations. Splinting was effective in the second implant. 2. Strain around Bicon implant were lower than those of other implants, which confirmed the splinting effect. The higher the load, the more the stress occurred in supporting tissue, which was most obvious in the Bicon system. 3. Stress distribution in the supporting tissue was favorable in the ITI system, while the other side of 3i system tended to concentrate the stress in some parts.