AN ADAPTIVE FINITE-ELEMENT APPROACH FOR THE ANALYSIS OF DENTAL RESTORATIONS

The present paper deals with the problem of stresses generated during the setting process of polymer tooth fillings. A finite element proced ure capable of accurately predicting the stresses along an interface b etween two different materials is presented. Adaptation of the finite element mesh is carried out based on a simple error estimator. The pro cedure is tested against benchmark problems and then applied to polyme r tooth fillings. The results of the study are relevant in understandi ng and improving the behaviour of dental restorations.