Finite element analysis of the stress distribution of dental implant crowns with different all-ceramic materials and thicknesses

To compare the stress distribution of different all-ceramic restoration materials and thicknesses in dental crown restorations using the finite element method and provide a reference for the selection and design of clinical crown restoration materials.

A finite element model of mandibular first molar implant crown restoration was created, and 6 crown thickness designs and 4 different crown restoration materials were evaluated, namely, resin-based ceramics (Lava Ultimate and Vita Enamic), lithium disilicate glass-ceramics (IPS e.max CAD), and zirconia ceramic (Cercon) designs. The mandibular first molars were loaded at 600 N, and the stress distribution was analyzed by using the finite element software ANSYS 10.0.

The crown stress analysis showed that 156.05 MPa was the highest in 4 mm Cercon group and 18.85 MPa was the lowest in 1 mm Lava Ultimate group. The stress analysis of resin cement showed that 62.52 MPa was the highest in the 4 mm Lava Ultimate group and 16.74 MPa was the lowest in 1 mm IPS e.max CAD group. During the use of the finished platform, the stress concentration of the Lava Ultimate group in the crown prosthesis and resin cement was higher than that of the personalized platform with the same crown thickness.

With increasing crown thickness, the maximum principal stress concentration in crown restoration and resin cement increases. Personalized abutments are more conducive to reducing stress concentrations for resin-based ceramics.