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The importance of properly distributing the occlusal load for the correct biomechanics of implant-supported fixed partial dentures: stress analysis in implants, prosthetic components and infrastructures

A importância da distribuição da carga oclusal de forma adequada para a correta biomecânica de prótese parcial fixa implantosuportada: análise das tensões em implantes, componentes protéticos e infraestruturas

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The present study analyzed the biomechanical behavior of the generated stress on the external surface of the rehabilitation elements (implants, components and infrastructures) according to different occlusion patterns on a fixed partial denture on osseointegrated implants.

Method:

The experimental groups varied according to the location of the occlusal load applied to the Fixed partial denture, with a total occlusal load of 750N in all groups, opting for greater loads on the occlusal table of the molar in relation to the premolar. This evaluation was performed by the finite element method with simulations by the AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software program.

Results:

The results analyzed for implants and their components showed that the more posterior the occlusal loading, the greater the stress developed (group 4), always in the connection area between the prosthetic component and the implant, as this location can induce greater screw loosening. The results analyzed for the infrastructures showed that the most distributed occlusal loading possible (group 1) is the best situation for generating less stress. However, even in group 3 which obtained the highest stresses in the critical area of the prosthetic connection, the zirconia flexural strength values generated were not worrisome.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the occlusal adjustment of Fixed partial dentures are preponderant and decisive factors for correct biomechanics and preservation of the system in the long term in order to avoid possible damage and/or failures, and exert significant and notorious differences in the behavior of all structures studied herein.

Indexing terms
Finite element analysis; Fixed partial denture; Occlusal adjustment

RESUMO

Objetivo:

O presente estudo analisou o comportamento biomecânico do estresse gerado na superfície externa dos elementos reabilitadores (implantes, componentes e infraestruturas) de acordo com diferentes padrões de oclusão em uma prótese parcial fixa sobre implantes osseointegrados.

Métodos:

Os grupos experimentais variaram de acordo com a localização da carga oclusal aplicada na Prótese Parcial Fixa, com carga oclusal total de 750N em todos os grupos, optando por cargas maiores na mesa oclusal do molar em relação ao pré-molar. Esta avaliação foi realizada pelo método dos elementos finitos com simulações pelo programa AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software.

Resultados:

Os resultados analisados para os implantes e seus componentes mostraram que quanto mais posterior a carga oclusal, maior a tensão desenvolvida (grupo 4), sempre na área de conexão entre o componente protético e o implante, pois este local pode induzir maior soltura do parafuso. Os resultados analisados para as infraestruturas mostraram que a carga oclusal mais distribuída possível (grupo 1) é a melhor situação para gerar menos estresse. No entanto, mesmo no grupo 3 que obteve as maiores tensões na área crítica da conexão protética, os valores de resistência à flexão da zircônia gerados não foram preocupantes.

Conclusões:

Pode-se concluir que o ajuste oclusal das Próteses Parciais Fixas são fatores preponderantes e decisivos para correta biomecânica e preservação do sistema a longo prazo a fim de evitar possíveis danos e/ou falhas, e exercem diferenças significativas e notórias no comportamento de todas as estruturas aqui estudadas.

Termos de indexação
Análise de elementos finitos; Ajuste oclusal; Prótese parcial fixa

INTRODUCTION

Osseointegration emerged in the 1950s with the action of Per-Ingvar Branemark and collaborators through a study of bones, who conceptualized that osseointegration would be the intimate connection of an implant with the surrounding bone [11 Branemark PI, Hansson BO, Adell R, Breine U, Lindstrom J, Hallen O, et al. Osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Experience from a 10-year period. Scand J Plastic Reconstr Surg Suppl. 1977;16(1):1-132.].

However, considerable differences exist between natural teeth and implant prosthesis functioning. Mechanoreceptors located in the peri-implant bone are approximately 8 times less sensitive in perceiving sensitivity when compared to mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligament, which makes occlusal adjustment and the intensity of force applied to artificial teeth difficult and essential in care [22 Jacobs R, Van Steenberghe D. Comparison between implantsupported prostheses and teeth regarding passive threshold level. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1993;8(5):549-54.].

When it comes to rehabilitation on implants in the posterior region in which the masticatory loads become more accentuated, it is necessary to pay attention to its correct control and inquiry. This is even more exacerbated when there is no implant for each rehabilitated element, as in the case of fixed partial dentures (FPD) containing suspended or pontic elements. Cases such as this in which there is a tendency for greater requirement of rehabilitation and of all components that involve the system require extreme caution and maximum possible control of various factors, including occlusion.

According to Flanagan [33 Flanagan D. Bite force and dental implant treatment: a short review. Med Devices: Evid Res. 2017;10:141-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314
https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314...
], failures can be avoided by following predetermined precepts in the literature, including carefully adjusted occlusal load. Thus, implant-supported prostheses not receiving excessive loads tend to have good stress distribution, generating treatment success and patient satisfaction, and this will favor the biomechanics of FPD.

In order for the implants to perform their functions without failure, it is necessary to have correct biomechanical load distribution to all the components which compose the rehabilitation [44 Saadoun AP, Le Gall M, Kricheck M. Microbial infections and occlusal overload: causes of failure in osseointegrated implants. Practic Perio Aesth Dent. 1993;5(6):11-20.]. In addition, this fact is directly linked to how the occlusal factor is adjusted on the implant prosthesis surface. The distribution of occlusal loads can be altered to enable better stress dissipation to the system to avoid exacerbated stresses, since a FPD with pontic can generate greater stresses and biomechanical demands [55 Hammerle CHF, Tarnow D. The etiology of hard- and soft-tissue deficiencies at dental implants: a narrative review. J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S291-S303. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/JPER.16-0810
https://doi.org/10.1002/JPER.16-0810...

6 Stoichkov B, Kirov D. Analysis of the causes of dental implant fracture: A retrospective clinical study. Quintessence Int. 2018;49(4):279-286. http://dx.doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a39846
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a39846...
-77 Meriç G, Erkmen E, Kurt A, Tunç Y, Eser A. Influence of prosthesis type and material on the stress distribution in bone around implants: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis. J Dent Sci. 2011;6(1):25-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2011.02.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2011.02.00...
].

In addition to this force intensity, the position and distribution of the masticatory load is a fundamental point to be analyzed [88 Lipski T, Kijak E, Witaszek K, Gaska D, Margielewicz J. Aplicação do dinamômetro dentário em biomecânica. J Meas Eng. 2015;3(1):17-22.,99 Flanagan D. Jaw bite force measuring device. J Oral Implantol. 2012;38(4):361-364. https://doi.org/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-10-00101
https://doi.org/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-10-00...
], which can be more or less distributed to different places in the occlusal table of the dental elements [1010 Nagasawa M, Takano R, Maeda T, Uoshima K. Observation of the bone surrounding an overloaded implant in a novel rat model. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2013;28(1):109-116. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.2388
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.2388...
]. According to Costa et al. [1111 Costa OS, Gomes EA, Pereira CCS, Jardim ECG, Zuim PRJ, Assunção WG, et al. Occlusion in prosthesis on implant – parte I. Innovat Implant J, Biolog Esth. 2011;6(2):55-58.], all occlusal contacts must be established and fully distributed throughout the arch for an adequate balanced occlusion. This will ensure that there is better distribution of forces. However, despite its importance, the representation and occlusal scheme are not always clear in the minds of professionals.

Osseointegrated implants can result in unwanted failures, and one of the factors which increases their incidence is excessive occlusal load on the prosthesis [1212 Peixoto CD, Almas K. The characteristics of the implant surface and peri-implantitis. An evidence-based update. Odontostomatol Trop. 2016;39(153):23–35.,1313 Demenko V, Linetskiy I, Linetska L. Prognosis of implant longevity in terms of annual bone loss: a finite element methodological study. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Eng. 2016;19(2):180-187. https://doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2015.1005079
https://doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2015.10...
]. It is known that there will be a biomechanical reflex of stresses in both bone and implants according to the application of occlusal loads during mastication [1414 Sohn BS, Heo SJ, Koak JY, Kim SK, Lee SY. Strain of implants depending on occlusion types in mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses. J Adv Prosthodont. 2011;3(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.1.1
https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.1.1...
]. Therefore, occlusal loads must be within a tolerated physiological threshold, which is difficult to measure and control, but of fundamental importance for the correct biomechanical behavior of the system [33 Flanagan D. Bite force and dental implant treatment: a short review. Med Devices: Evid Res. 2017;10:141-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314
https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314...
].

In this context, it is important that professionals pay attention and are careful regarding this issue. They must base their decision regarding occlusal adjustment of prostheses on implants on scientific and safe evidence, since it can lead to rehabilitation failure if not respected [1515 Eskitascioglu G, Usumez A, Sevimay M, Soykan E, Unsal E. The influecne of occlusal loading location on stress transferred to implant-supported prostheses and supporting boné: a three-dimensional finite element study. J Prosthet Dent. 2004;91(2):144-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2003.10.018
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2003....
].

Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze and compare the biomechanical behavior of the implant-supported FPD elements (implants, components and infrastructures) according to the variation in the applied occlusal load distribution.

METHODS

The present study used FEM to evaluate which occlusal load distributions presented the best aspects in an oral environment with an implant-supported FPD with an intermediate pontic, installed and well-adapted. Cylindrical implants inserted 2mm below the bone were used with transmucosal prosthetic abutments of 3.5mm. The cortical bone and mucosa thickness was set at 2mm.

All drawings of the structures (CADs) used in the experimental models had a finite element mesh generated and were assigned each respective mechanical characteristic. The models were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. The contact between the different structures was considered “bonded”, meaning without sliding. All FPD infrastructures were metal-free with a zirconia infrastructure (modulus of elasticity 269,000 MPa and Poisson’s ratio 0.25 – reference by Arinc [1616 Arinc H. Implant-supported fixed partial prostheses with different prosthetic materials: a three-dimensional finite element stress analysis. Implant Dent. 2018;27(3):303-310. https://doi.org/10.1097/ID.0000000000000750
https://doi.org/10.1097/ID.0000000000000...
] and Gungor & Yilmaz [1717 Gungor MB, Yilmaz H. Evaluation of stress distributions occurring on zirconia and titanium implant-supported prostheses: A three-dimensional finite element analysis. J Prosthet Dent. 2016;116(3):346-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.01.022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2016....
]), with feldspathic ceramic coating (modulus of elasticity 80,000 MPa and Poisson’s ratio 0.30 - reference by Arinc [1616 Arinc H. Implant-supported fixed partial prostheses with different prosthetic materials: a three-dimensional finite element stress analysis. Implant Dent. 2018;27(3):303-310. https://doi.org/10.1097/ID.0000000000000750
https://doi.org/10.1097/ID.0000000000000...
] and Erkmen et al. [1818 Erkmen E, Meriç G, Kurt A, Tunç Y, Eser A. Biomechanical comparison of implant retained fixed partial dentures with fiber reinforced composite versus conventional metal frameworks: a 3D FEA study. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2011;4(1):107-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2010.09.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2010.09....
]), and closure of the screw holes with composite resin. The bones were type I, considered to be of good quality. The assigned modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio were based on a bibliographic reference by Toniollo et al. [1919 Toniollo MB, Macedo AP, Rodrigues RSC, Ribeiro RF, Chiarello De Mattos MG. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution on different bony ridges with different lengths of morse taper implants and prosthesis dimensions. J Craniofac Surg. 2012;23(6):1888-1892. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0b013e31826cf199
https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0b013e31826c...
].

The total occlusal load applied in all experimental groups was exactly the same in order to standardize the simulation of the same bite with identical intensity and in the same oblique direction (approximately 30 degrees in the lingual-vestibular direction), and at the same occlusal points (cusp tip and groove bottom, predetermined).

The total occlusal load applied to the FPD was 750N, opting for greater loads on the occlusal table of the molar in relation to the premolar. The variation between the experimental groups (figure 1) was in the location of the occlusal load in the FPD, with the 4 situations explained below:

Figure 1
Experimental groups, A: Group 1 (control) - homogeneous and distributed occlusal loading throughout the FPD; B: Group 2 - occlusal loading on the most anterior and intermediate element of the FPD; C: Group 3 - occlusal loading on the intermediate element and part of the anterior and posterior elements of the FPD; D: Group 4 - occlusal loading on the most posterior and intermediate element of the FPD.
  • Group 1 (control): homogeneous occlusal loading and distributed over the occlusal table of the entire implant-supported FPD, being 150N in the premolar and 300N in each molar; total occlusal load of 750N across the FPD.

  • Group 2: occlusal loading located only on the most anterior and intermediate elements (pontic) of the implant-supported FPD, being 200N in the premolar and 550N in the 1st molar (pontic); total occlusal load of 750N across the FPD.

  • Group 3: main occlusal loading located in the intermediate element (pontic) and in part of the anterior and posterior elements of the implant-supported FPD, being 550N in the 1st molar, 100N in the mesial of the 2nd molar and 100N in the distal of the premolar; total occlusal load of 750N across the FPD.

  • Group 4: occlusal loading located only on the most posterior and intermediate (pontic) elements of the implant-supported FPD, with 375N in the 1st molar and 375N in the 2nd molar; total occlusal load of 750N across the FPD.

The master model used in creating all experimental groups had 172,800 nodes and 103,536 elements (figures 2 and 3). The stresses developed in the implants, components, and infrastructures were analyzed using von Mises Equivalent Stress (VMES).

Figure 2
Three-dimensional transparency view of the master model used for the experimental groups.
Figure 3
Finite element mesh generated over the master model.

This evaluation was performed by the finite element method (FEM) with simulations by the AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software program. The results were analyzed quantitatively (absolute values of stress developed in the proposed experimental groups) and qualitatively (location, intensity and dispersion of the generated stress).

The value scales obtained in the simulations varied according to the stress obtained in each group, and therefore the scales were standardized in their values and color references to enable better comparison between the experimental groups; more specifically, for the analysis of implant and component stresses, a scale of unique values was adequate for the 4 experimental groups; and for the analysis of infrastructure stresses, a scale of unique values was adequate for the 4 experimental groups.

RESULTS

The simulations performed obtained results of the stresses generated (VMES) on the external surface of the implants and their respective prosthetic components (figure 4), as well as the prosthetic infrastructure (figure 5), according to the experimental groups simulated in the different occlusal loads.

Figure 4
Results of the experimental groups for the stresses on the implants and their components (vestibular view); A: Group 1 (control) - homogeneous and distributed occlusal loading throughout the FPD; B: Group 2 - occlusal loading on the most anterior and intermediate element of the FPD; C: Group 3 - occlusal loading on the intermediate element and part of the anterior and posterior elements of the FPD; D: Group 4 - occlusal loading on the most posterior and intermediate element of the FPD.
Figure 5
Results of experimental groups for stresses on zirconia prosthetic infrastructure (vestibular perspective view); A: Group 1 (control) - homogeneous and distributed occlusal loading throughout the FPD; B: Group 2 - occlusal loading on the most anterior and intermediate element of the FPD; C: Group 3 - occlusal loading on the intermediate element and part of the anterior and posterior elements of the FPD; D: Group 4 - occlusal loading on the most posterior and intermediate element of the FPD.

The results of stresses in implants and components are presented below from the vestibular view (the area of greatest significance for analysis). The results in Figure 4 show that the most significant stresses always occur in the connection area between the implant and the prosthetic component (abutment). Figure 4B reveals that group 2 presented the lowest stress among the analyzed experimental groups (721 Mpa). Figure 4D shows that group 4 presented the highest stresses among the experimental groups analyzed (882 Mpa), especially in the most posterior implant/component. Thus, a difference of 18% is observed in the stress values obtained between such groups.

The results in figure 5 show that the most significant infrastructure stresses always occur in the area of the most anterior prosthetic connector between the most anterior element and the intermediate prosthetic element (pontic). In the case of infrastructure, the maximum stress values obtained will be disregarded due to the fact that they are located in areas on the occlusal edge of the FPDs with low thickness, which is why they increased such records. Figure 5A reveals that group 1 presented the lowest stresses among the analyzed experimental groups (around 150 Mpa). Figure 5C shows that group 3 presented the highest stresses among the analyzed experimental groups (around 200 Mpa), especially in the abovementioned area of the prosthetic connector.

DISCUSSION

The literature still reveals some doubts and questions about the masticatory load tolerated by the jaws. Occlusal forces are variable, and the intensity, frequency and direction of these loads can alternate irregularly [2020 Uto Y, Kuroshima S, Nakano T, Ishimoto T, Inaba N, Uchida Y, et al. Effects of mechanical repetitive load on bone quality around implants in rat maxillae. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(12):1-16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189893
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.018...
].

According to Flanagan [33 Flanagan D. Bite force and dental implant treatment: a short review. Med Devices: Evid Res. 2017;10:141-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314
https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314...
], the intensity of the bite force in the human species can reach an average of 800N, and in these cases attention should be paid to the need for greater bone structure in order to withstand the generated stress. Therefore, the loads applied to the simulated posterior segment in the present study were 150N for the premolar and 300N for each molar, which totaled a load of 750N on the FPDs.

The same author mentions that priority should be given in these high masticatory intensity cases to having a greater number of implants in the rehabilitation support, and also to splinting the prosthesis with a flat and narrow occlusal table [33 Flanagan D. Bite force and dental implant treatment: a short review. Med Devices: Evid Res. 2017;10:141-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314
https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S130314...
].

However, as in the present simulated study, it is often not possible to use the maximum number of implants in the area due to anatomical and/or financial limitations, thus requiring prostheses with the presence of a cantilever or pontic, for example.

In addition to the intensity of the masticatory loads, another important fact that often cannot be controlled is their direction. Occlusal loads in the axial direction are generally better tolerated by implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitations. The opposite is contraindicated, as loads in a distal, mesial, vestibular or lingual direction are not always well tolerated [1010 Nagasawa M, Takano R, Maeda T, Uoshima K. Observation of the bone surrounding an overloaded implant in a novel rat model. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2013;28(1):109-116. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.2388
https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.2388...
]. This means loads with an oblique characteristic are the most harmful, but at the same time those which appear most in the masticatory movement [2121 Rezende CEE, Chase-Diaz M, Costa MD, Albarracin ML, Paschoeto G, Sousa EAC, et al. Stress distribution in single dental implant system: Three dimensional finite element analysis based on an in vitro experimental model. J Craniofac Surg. 2015;26(7):2196-2200. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000001977
https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.000000000000...

22 Pesqueira AA, Goiato MC, Gennari- Filho H, Monteiro DR, Micheline Dos Santos D, Haddad MF. The use of stress analysis methods to evaluate the biomechanics of oral rehabilitation with implants. J Oral Implant. 2014;40(2):217-228. https://doi.org/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-11-00066
https://doi.org/10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-11-00...
-2323 Stegaroiu R, Sato T, Kusakari H, Miyakawa O. Influence of restoration type on stress distribution in bone around implants: a three-dimensional finite element analysis. Int J Oral Maxilofac Implants Lombard. 1998;12(1):82-90.].

In the same context, Stegaroiu et al. [2323 Stegaroiu R, Sato T, Kusakari H, Miyakawa O. Influence of restoration type on stress distribution in bone around implants: a three-dimensional finite element analysis. Int J Oral Maxilofac Implants Lombard. 1998;12(1):82-90.] simulated axial loads and observed that prostheses with two implants and a central pontic obtained similar results to those of the prosthesis with three elements joined to three implants. However, under non-axial loads, only crowns joined with three implants were able to minimize the harmful effects of the occlusal loading performed. Therefore, it can be seen that the type of occlusal loading is also of paramount importance in the biomechanical behavior of the prostheses and its consequences for the supporting structures.

According to Tanasić et al. [2424 Tanasić I, Tihacek-Sojić L, Milić-Lemić A. Finite element analysis of compressive stress and strain of different implant forms during vertical loading. Int J Comp Dent. 2014;17(2):125-133.], there is also a correlation with the length and diameter of the implants, since they state that the greater the patient’s occlusal force, the greater the need to increase the measurements of this implant.

There is a relationship cited by Davies et al. [2525 Davies SJ, Gray RJM, Young MPJ. Good occlusal practice in the provision of implant borne prostheses. Braz Dent J. 2002;192(2):79-87. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801298
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801298...
] correlating occlusal table size with implant size, in which the first measurement should not be greater than the second, because if this happens there will be excess lateral occlusal forces and possible failure in osseointegration. Thus, the implant should have a proportion of twice the length of the crown for an implant-supported prosthesis to support occlusal loads well [2626 Papavasiliou G, Kamposiora P, Bayne SC, Felton DA. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of stress-distribution around single tooth implants as a function of bony support, prosthesis type, and loading during function. J Prosthet Dent. 1996;76(6):633-640. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3913(96)90442-4
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3913(96)90...
].

However, when there is a limitation of bone structure, it is not possible to use as many implants as possible, or it is not possible to fully control the size relationship of the crown to the implant, or furthermore it is not possible to fully direct the forces to the long axis of implants, and therefore alternatives must be analyzed to determine the best biomechanical behavior of this FPD, for example different types of occlusal adjustments [55 Hammerle CHF, Tarnow D. The etiology of hard- and soft-tissue deficiencies at dental implants: a narrative review. J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S291-S303. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/JPER.16-0810
https://doi.org/10.1002/JPER.16-0810...

6 Stoichkov B, Kirov D. Analysis of the causes of dental implant fracture: A retrospective clinical study. Quintessence Int. 2018;49(4):279-286. http://dx.doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a39846
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a39846...
-77 Meriç G, Erkmen E, Kurt A, Tunç Y, Eser A. Influence of prosthesis type and material on the stress distribution in bone around implants: A 3-dimensional finite element analysis. J Dent Sci. 2011;6(1):25-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2011.02.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2011.02.00...
].

There is an ideal type of occlusion to be used for each type and size of implant-supported prosthesis [1111 Costa OS, Gomes EA, Pereira CCS, Jardim ECG, Zuim PRJ, Assunção WG, et al. Occlusion in prosthesis on implant – parte I. Innovat Implant J, Biolog Esth. 2011;6(2):55-58.]. Unilateral balanced occlusion has a higher occlusal pressure on its working side compared to bilateral balanced occlusion [1414 Sohn BS, Heo SJ, Koak JY, Kim SK, Lee SY. Strain of implants depending on occlusion types in mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses. J Adv Prosthodont. 2011;3(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.1.1
https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.1.1...
]. The fixed implant-supported complete dentures must be installed in mutually protected occlusion, seeking to perform the canine guide to avoid contact of the posterior teeth during mandibular excursive movements [2727 Chapman RJ. Principles of occlusion for implant prostheses: guidelines for position, timing, and force of occlusal contacts. Quintessence Int. 1989;20(7):473-80.]. In cases where there is an antagonist arc with conventional mobile prostheses, bilateral balanced occlusion can be used to achieve prosthetic occlusal stability [2727 Chapman RJ. Principles of occlusion for implant prostheses: guidelines for position, timing, and force of occlusal contacts. Quintessence Int. 1989;20(7):473-80.].

Such concepts are mainly more suitable when considering mandibular excursive movements which are dynamic. But there is also the relationship of static occlusal contacts regarding the relationship between working cusps and antagonistic elements. Such a relationship, conventionally known as occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation, is also a delicate factor that can generate premature contacts and occlusal injuries when poorly adjusted.

In the present study, it was possible to simulate and predict the stress generated with occlusal loads similar to maximum intercuspation, and therefore the option to use contacts at the tip of cusps and the bottom of predetermined grooves was chosen.

Therefore, in varying the experimental groups in the present study, it can be seen that their variation according to the proposals of the groups exerted biomechanical reflexes on the supporting structures, even when using the same pre-established occlusal points. Varying the occlusal load in all the elements of the FPD in a more balanced way, or in the most anterior, middle or posterior direction of the FPD, and always keeping the total occlusal load equal to 750N, generated disparate behaviors of the stress in the implants, prosthetic abutments and infrastructures.

Specifically regarding the biomechanical behavior of the implants and their respective prosthetic components (figure 4), which in this case were 3.5 mm transmucosal abutments, a worse situation can be seen for the experimental group 4 (figure 4D). This finding was expected, since it has occlusal loads on the teeth of greater magnitude (molars), one of which is the pontic, and additionally in the most posterior region of the FPD, which overloaded the system. Furthermore, as there was no adjacent tooth in the posterior region, this may have further affected the stress in the region.

The comparison between groups 1 and 2 (figures 4A and 4B) reveals something interesting; it was expected that group 1 (control) would have the lowest possible stresses as it had the most distributed occlusal load. However, it was noticed that group 2 had the lowest stress peaks. From this, and added to the results of groups 3 and 4, it can be concluded that the preponderant factor and the greatest damage, at least regarding the biomechanics of implants and prosthetic components, are the occlusal loads on the most posterior elements of the FPD, since group 2 (which does not have occlusal loading on the posterior molar) obtained the best results, around 18% less than group 4 with the highest stress.

Taking into account the results obtained for the infrastructures (figure 5), a worse situation is observed for experimental groups 3 and 4, with group 3 still showing higher stress in the connection area of the FPD in the more posterior region. This reveals that occlusal loading exclusively concentrated in the intermediate pontic region and/or more posterior region of the FPD would not be the best situation for good stress distribution in infrastructure. Despite this, the obtained stresses ranging from approximately 120 to 200 MPa would not cause damage or risk of failure to the material used (in this case zirconia), which has flexural strength above 1000 MPa according to some authors [1717 Gungor MB, Yilmaz H. Evaluation of stress distributions occurring on zirconia and titanium implant-supported prostheses: A three-dimensional finite element analysis. J Prosthet Dent. 2016;116(3):346-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2016.01.022
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2016....
,2828 Gomes EA, Assunção WG, Rocha EP, Santos PH. Ceramic in dentistry: current situation. Cerâmica. 2008;54(331):319-325.,2929 Guazzato M, Proos K, Sara G, Swain MV. Strength, reliability, and mode of fracture of bilayered porcelain/core ceramics. Int J Prosthod. 2004;17(2):142-149.].

In analyzing Group 1 (control) (figure 5A), it can be affirmed that there was less stress in the critical areas of the infrastructure, including better stress dissipation, which leads us to believe that the occlusal adjustment well distributed over the entire occlusal surface of the FPD is really beneficial for its biomechanical behavior.

Therefore, with correct occlusal adjustment, and mainly in search of preserving more posterior areas of the FPD (where there are less adjacent structures to contain the proximal movement, and which may have been one of the factors causing greater stress in the more distal areas associated with the greater occlusal table of the molars), is of great importance and attention to control the patient’s occlusion in implant-supported prostheses.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained in the present study, and correlating them with the literature data, the following conclusions can be drawn: the biomechanical behavior and the external stresses of the analyzed structures vary according to the occlusal loading, with the control of such occlusal loads therefore being of important relevance. Implants and their respective prosthetic components are more affected when loads are positioned to more posterior regions of the FPD occlusal table, which is evident in the connection area between abutment and implant. The infrastructures are better preserved when there is good and balanced occlusal adjustment, which notably reduces the stresses in their external surface area.

Acknowledgment

The researchers involved in this study are grateful for the incentives provided by the University of Rio Verde (UniRV) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).

How to cite this article

  • Sakamoto SPS, Souza DHV, Terada ASSD, Borges ALS, Toniollo MB. The importance of properly distributing the occlusal load for the correct biomechanics of implant-supported fixed partial dentures: Stress analysis in implants, prosthetic components and infrastructures. RGO, Rev Gaúch Odontol. 2023;71:e20230055. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-86372023005520230038

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Edited by

Assistant editor: Luciana Butini Oliveira

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    30 Oct 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    16 June 2023
  • Accepted
    05 July 2023
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