Stress analysis of metal-free polymer crowns using the three-dimensional finite element method.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution under various loading conditions within posterior metal-free crowns made of new composite materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model representing a mandibular first molar was constructed. Variations of the model had crowns of two types of composite, a glass ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal. A load of 600 N, simulating the maximum bite force, was applied vertically to the crowns. Loads of 225 N, simulating masticatory force, were applied from three directions (vertically, at a 45-degree angle, and horizontally). RESULTS: The stress distributions in both types of composite crown were similar to that of the glass-ceramic crown. In the test simulating maximum bite force, the maximum tensile stresses on all crowns (17.9 to 18.3 MPa) concentrated around the loading points. In the masticatory force-stimulation test, the specimens experienced maximum tensile stresses of 20.3 to 26.6 MPa under a horizontal load and 10.9 to 11.0 MPa under a vertical load. When the load was applied horizontally, the maximum tensile stress was observed around the loading points on the surface in the case of composite and glass-ceramic crowns, and in the cervical area of the metal coping in the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. CONCLUSION: It would appear that the strength of occlusal contact points is important to the integrity of posterior metal-free crowns made of new composite materials and that bite forces applied from the horizontal direction are a critical factor determining success and failure.