THE SIMULATION AND CALCULATION OF THE FATIGUE OF THE LOWER COMPLETE DENTURE IN FUNCTION BY MEANS OF THE FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS

This paper presents a finite element analysis, by which the stress dis tribution during function of a lower jaw acrylic-resin complete dentur e can be shown. The geometry of a prosthesis has been approximated by measuring, its elementary dimensions, as well as the dimensions of the characteristic cross-sections, on an already completed denture. Based upon these dimensions a mesh, (a three-dimensional network diagram) o f finite elements was made. The results obtained are presented both gr aphically and numerically. The equivalent fatigue stresses, according to von Mises' energetic theory of firmness, expressed in MPa (or in N/ mm(2)),are also shown. The results obtained enable us to gain an insig ht into lower complete denture fatigue, and could also be used when op timizing the shape of a denture. Furthermore, they could indicate poss ible causes of the fatigue fractures of a denture, particularly in the area between the left and the right canines.