Influence of Prosthetic Material Properties and Implant Number on Stress Distribution in Implant–Bone Systems Under Bruxism Loading: A Finite Element Study

This finite element study compared the effects of prosthetic superstructure material and supporting implant number on stresses in implants, multiunit abutments, and restorations, and on peri-implant bone strains under bruxism-like loading. Two posterior mandibular models representing missing left FDI 34-36 were generated: a 2-implant configuration (implants at 34 and 36) and a 3-implant configuration (implants at 34, 35, and 36), each restored with a three-unit implant-supported fixed bridge. For each configuration, three superstructure materials were simulated: cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and monolithic zirconia (MZ). Static parafunctional loads were applied as a 500 N oblique load (30° to the implant long axis; 125 N to each buccal cusp) and a 1000 N vertical load applied to the central fossae. Cortical bone generally exhibited higher strain than trabecular bone, and the maximum cortical principal strain under vertical loading averaged approximately 5800 μɛ. The highest implant von Mises stress occurred in the first molar implant of the 2-implant MZ model under oblique loading, while the maximum under vertical loading was 236 MPa (also 2-implant MZ). Prosthetic peak stresses reached 184 MPa under vertical loading (3-implant PEEK composite-veneered model) and 233 MPa under oblique loading (2-implant MZ), with a minimum of 51 MPa in the 3-implant PEEK framework under vertical loading. Overall, increasing implant number reduced the stress/strain values, and MZ showed comparatively higher stress and strain levels.