Three-dimensional finite element analysis of anterior fixed partial denture supported by implants with different materials

Implant restoration in the anterior region was a great challenge for dentists. The aim of the study was to use three-dimensional finite element analysis to analyze the feasibility of the fixed partial denture supported by two diverse material implants in the maxillary anterior region, to provide a theoretical basis for clinical therapy. Based on CBCT data, a three-unit fixed partial denture supported by two endosseous implants with a diameter of 3.5 mm and a length of 10 mm inserted in the upper left central incisor and canine was created. The materials of the implant were verified in seven models. Titanium (Ti), zirconia (Zr) and titanium-zirconia (TiZr) were used for the implant materials. A total load of 150 N was applied on the prosthesis units at 45˚ to the long axis of the abutment. The maximal displacement of the implant was 6.1 µm in the titanium implant at the canine region in the TiZr-Ti model. The stresses in the cortical bone and strains in the spongious bone were below the physiological upper limits. The highest value of the maximal stress in cortical bone was 78 MPa, observed in the left central incisor region of Zr-TiZr model. And the highest value of the maximal strain in the spongious bone was 1738 μstrain around the titanium implant of the Ti-TiZr model. From the biomechanical point of view, fixed partial denture supported by two diverse material implants in the maxillary anterior region is an acceptable treatment option.