Abstract
Background
The
biomechanical behavior of implant-supported titanium and zirconia
full-arch fixed dental prosthesis (FAFDP) frameworks require further
investigation.
Purpose
Strains transferred by implant-supported titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) FAFDP frameworks were analyzed.
Materials and Methods
Maxillary
14-unit FAFDPs supported by 6 implants and 12-unit FAFDPs supported by 4
implants were tested. One-piece frameworks were fabricated by
computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. Four groups were
divided (n = 3): G1, Ti-6 implants; G2, Zr-6 implants; G3, Ti-4
implants; G4, Zr-4 implants. A 250 N single-point load was applied on
the second premolar. A three-dimensional digital image correlation
system recorded framework and maxilla model surface deformation.
Results
The
following strains (μS) averaged over the length of the second premolar
were calculated: frameworks, G1 (321.82 ± 111.29), G2 (638.87 ± 108.64),
G3 (377.77 ± 28.64), G4 (434.18 ± 132.21); model surface, G1
(473.99 ± 48.69), G2 (653.93 ± 45.26), G3 (1082.50 ± 71.14), G4
(1218.26 ± 230.37). Zirconia frameworks supported by 6 implants (G2)
presented higher surface strains (P < .05). FAFDPs with
titanium frameworks transferred significantly lower strains to the
supporting maxilla when 6 implants were used (G1) (P < .05). Both framework materials transferred similar strains when supported by 4 implants (G3 and G4) (P > .05).
Conclusions
Zirconia
frameworks supported by 6 implants showed higher strains. FAFDPs
supported by 6 implants transferred less strains to the supporting
maxilla, irrespective of framework material.
Comments