Finite element analysis of dental structures: the role of mandibular kinematics and model complexity

The inclusion of mandibular kinematics in the finite element analysis requires the modelling of a complex dental model as simplification generated an overestimation of the forces and stresses on the structures. Finite element dental models allow for the observation and prevention of restorative failures by numerical methods but misinterpretations caused by poorly designed models have clinical implications on estimating performance of dental restorations.