Effect of restoration material on stress distribution on partial crowns: A 3D finite element analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Various restoration materials have been used to restore as onlay materials to restore highly defected molar teeth. Different mechanical and physical properties of these materials may affect the success or survival of the restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the restoration materials effects on stress distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) was used to evaluate the stress concentrations and distributions at the restoration and the tooth. Maxillar first molar tooth constructed to evaluate the stress distribution and concentration levels at the restorations and the tooth structure. Two kinds of restoration materials, bulkfill composite and conventional hybrid composite was evaluated for direct method, while full ceramic and indirect composite was used for indirect method. A load of 200 N was applied on the restorations and stress levels were calculated by von Mises stress values. RESULTS: Highest stress concentration was observed at the ceramic restoration (3.77 GPa). Stress levels were 2.90 GPa for bulkfill composite and 2.14 GPa for direct and indirect composite. At the tooth structure the stress levels were 3.33 GPa, 3.18 GPa and 2.48 GPa for bulkfill, direct and indirect composites respectively. The lowest stress values was observed with the porcelain restoration (1.69 GPa). Stress concentrations at the adhesive system were 2.10 MPa for bulkfill composite, 1.35 MPa for direct and indirect composites and 1.25 Mpa for porcelain restoration. CONCLUSION: The restoration material affects the stress levels at the restoration and the tooth while the stress concentration areas remained nearly the same.