The implant-supported telescopic prosthesis: A biomechanical analysis

This in vitro project investigated load transfer through screw-retained tel escopic prostheses. Three Branemark System implants incorporating strain ga uges were embedded in an aluminum block. Telescopic prostheses that include d 1 mesial and 1 distal cantilever were fabricated over 1 central EsthetiCo ne and 2 Ti-Adapt abutments. The buffering capacity of the cement in a comb ined screw-retained/cemented prosthesis was studied. The degree of misfit o f the prostheses could be adjusted by applying shims of various thicknesses under the EsthetiCone. Load distribution was measured while a 50-N load wa s applied in turn over each implant and each cantilever. The results showed that tightening the central prosthetic screw widened the load distribution . The cement accommodated misfits between the layers of the telescope, sign ificantly reducing bending moments on some supporting implants. The system exhibited a degree of tolerance to misfit and can provide a versatile prost hodontic option.