• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.484-514
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• 1994

Cantilever bridge is widely used by mny clinicians, but its worst mechanical character, so called Class I lever system, makes dentists hesitate to restore the missing tooth with it. Therefore it is important to study stress of the cantilever bridge. In this study, two models of cantilever bridges that restores the missing mandibular second molar with two abutment teeth were constructed. One model was a type of cantilever bridge supported by a normal alveolar bone, the other one was supported by an alveolar bone resorbed to its 1/3 of root length. Maximum bite force(550N) and funtional maximum bite force(300N) were vertically applied to the distal end of the pontic, distal 1/3, and distal half of the pontic. And each force was also applied to centric occlusal contacts as a distributed force. Total 16 loading cases were compared and analyzed with 3-dimensional finite element method. The results were as follows: 1. The stress was concentrated on the joint of the pontic and the retainer, grooves, and distal cervical margin of the posterior retainer. 2. In case of maximum bite force(550N) at the end of the pontic, the risk of fracture at the joint of the pontic and the retainer was high. 3. In case of distributed force in centric occlusion and functional maximum bite force(300N), the stresses were less than the yield strength of the type VI gold for any loading cases. 4. In case of alveolar bone resorption, the occlusal force to the cantilever pontic caused more stress on the root apex and less stress on the alveolar crest region of the distal surface of the posterior abutment. 5. In case of alveolar bone resorption, the displacement was larger than that of normal alveolar bone in all loading cases.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.328-334
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• 2009

Statement of problem: Pier abutments act as a Class I fulcrum lever system when the teeth are incorporated in a fixed partial denture with rigid connectors. Therefore non-rigid connector incorporated into the fixed partial denture might reduce the stresses created by the leverage. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by means of finite element method, the effects of non-rigid connectors and supporting alveolar bone level on stress distribution for fixed partial dentures with pier abutments. Material and methods: A 2-dimensional finite element model simulating a 5-unit metal ceramic fixed partial denture with a pier abutment with rigid or non-rigid designs, the connector was located at the distal region of the second premolar, was developed. In the model, the lower canine, second premolar, and second molar served as abutments. Four types of alveolar bone condition were employed. One was normal bone condition and others were supporting bone reduced 20% height at one abutment. Two different loading conditions, each 150 N on 1st premolar and 1st molar and 300N on 1st molar, were used. Results: Two types of FPD were displaced apically. The amount of displacement decreased in an almost linear slope away from the loaded point. Non-rigid design tended to cause the higher stresses in supporting bone of premolar and molar abutments and the lower stresses in that of canine than rigid design. Alveolar bone loss increased the stresses in supporting bone of corresponding abutment. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of the retentive capacity of retainers and the periodontal condition of abutments may be required for the prosthetic design of fixed partial denture with a pier abutment.