A FINITE-ELEMENT MODEL STUDY OF OCCLUSAL SCHEMES IN FULL-ARCH IMPLANTRESTORATION

A three-dimensional finite-element model of a human mandible is presen ted, and the stresses and deformations computed for loading states ind uced by two different gnathologic reconstructions using six and four i mplants are discussed. Occlusal canine guidance and posterior and ante rior group functions on cantilevered and distally supported prostheses have been simulated. The stress distributions generated by the differ ent loading conditions on either the osseointegrated prosthesis or the bone tissue surrounding the implants are described. The analysis of t he stress distribution on the working side reveals that the posterior group function undergoes a reduction in stress intensity on the cortic al bone surrounding the implants (especially for the distal implant) c ompared with the anterior group function and canine guidance in both g nathologic reconstructions. (C) 1998 Chapman & Hall.