Comparison of Biomechanical Behavior of Dental All-Ceramics in Tooth or Implant Supported 3-Unit Fixed Partial Prosthesis with Finite Element Analysis

AIM:The aim of the study is to calculate the stresses under vertical and oblique loadings in 3-unit fixed partial dentures using finite element analysis (FEA) and to evaluate the biomechanical behavior.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3-unit fixed partial dentures were designed as implant-supported and tooth-supported.Zirconia, lithium disilicate, and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate were defined in geometric models.Occlusal forces of 400 N were applied vertically and 45 obliquely on the models, and the von Misses stresses occurring in the models were calculated with FEA.The safety factors of the materials were calculated and compared.RESULTS: A higher amount of stress occurred in the models under 45 oblique loading compared to vertical loading.Under both loading conditions, it was observed that the stresses in implant-supported restorations were greater than the stresses in toothsupported restorations.When the materials were compared, the high elastic modulus increased the value of stress and the highest safety factor belonged to zirconia.CONCLUSION: The stresses occurring in fixed prosthetic restorations are affected by factors such as the direction of the force and the support of the restoration by the implant or prepared tooth.High elastic modulus increased the stress in the restoration, but the higher the bending strength value, the higher the safety factor.