Inclusive - Glidewell Dental Labs

n Conclusion n n n n n n
The results of the simulation indicate a safety factor of 3x relative to the strength of the implants when
a 200 N force is applied across a mandibular overdenture retained by four mini implants in the symphysis
region. The number of implants, bone quality and anterior-posterior spread of the implants are
significant factors in how effectively occlusal loads are distributed. It must also be considered that occlusal
loads that are significantly divergent to the axes of the implants introduce stress gradients at the
implant sites that are not apparent in this simulation.
The forces that act on removable implant-retained prostheses have complex spatial and temporal distributions,
which currently are not practical to define and simulate. The prosthesis incorporates compliant
attachments to the implants that undergo semi-restrained axial loading. Defining the bone-biomaterial
interface also presents significant challenges. The displacements at the interface are small. In addition,
bone is not a homogeneous material and its structural characteristics can vary greatly between patients.
To simplify the model enough to perform an analysis, assumptions have to be made that affect the accuracy
of the results.
More research on the composition and simulation of the interaction of anterior excursive forces on
implant-retained overdentures is necessary to better approximate actual-use conditions. Finite element
analysis is an approximate method of predicting how implant and prosthetic designs will perform. Testing
is ultimately necessary to confirm that the results of the analysis are predictively valid.
n References n n n n n n
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3. Rismanchian M, Bajoghli F, Mostajeran Z, Fazel A, Eshkevari P. Effect of implants on maximum bite force in edentulous patients.
J Oral Implantol. 2009;35(4):196–200.
4. Courant R. Variational methods for the solutions of problems of equilibrium and vibrations. Bull Amer Math Soc. 1943;49:1–23.
5. Geng J, Yan W, Xu W, eds. Application of the Finite Element Method in Implant Dentistry (Advanced Topics in Science and Technology
in China). Springer. Jointly published with Zhejiang University Press; 2008.
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SME Technical Paper. 2010. 10 p. Report No: TP10PUB113.
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