Effect of Different Dental Implants’ Materials on Stresses Generated Around Implant-Supported Overdenture: A Validated 3D Finite Element Analysis

Investigating stresses around various types of implants’ materials in implant-supported overdentures is critical. The research question of the present study was will there be any difference regarding the stresses generated within and around all evaluated implant supporting an overdenture regardless of implants’ materials?. Two-Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants were computer-aided designed and machined (CAD/CAM) as replica of titanium (Ti) implant. Epoxy-resin base and acrylic-resin overdenture-model was constructed. Computational 3D model of epoxy-base, implants’ assemblies and overdenture were constructed with their exact dimensions using CAD software. Virtual vertical-static load of 100 N was applied on top surface of overdenture and resulting von Mises stress, resultant displacement and equivalent strain were recorded. For validation, the real model was subjected to same loading using universal testing machine. Afterwards, virtual vertical-static load of 120 N was applied and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) test was rerun for PEKK, Ti and zirconium implants. Validation results showed 27% difference in resultant displacement between FEA and mechanical models and 7% higher slope difference of linear portion of load/displacement curves in mechanical model. Regarding stresses generated in FEA models, for overdenture and base, maximum Von Mises stresses were found with PEEK implant. Our validated computational models allow further investigation of novel materials in implant manufacturing. Reduced stress-shielding effects of PEEK and PEKK implants models suggest these materials might improve surrounding tissues health leading to enhanced clinical outcomes.