Introduction of Nonlinear Property into Three-Dimensional Finite Element Method

– Part 2 Mechanical Examination of R.P.D. with Extracoronal Attachment –

R. Kanbara, Y. Nakamura, Y. Ohno, T. Iwai, K. Yoshihara, H. Kumano, T. Masuda, Y. Tanaka

Department of Removable Proshodontics, School of Dentistry Aichi-Gakuin University

Abstract

Extracoronal attachments are often utilized to eliminate visible clasp retainers for purposes of esthetics and improved comfort. While a bilaterally clasped partial denture is a common design for purposes of cross-arch stability, appropriately designed unilateral partial dentures may be of useful application. The intraoral dynamics of this denture design may be of significance for study.

The evaluation and realistic simulation of differential function of different of prosthetic designs has been previously reported using the finite element method (FEM). The finite element method (FEM) has traditionally evaluated the linear behavior of various materials. The incorporation of non-linear formulas and variables has resulted in improved in-vitro simulation of clinical prosthetic load conditions.

The analysis of periodontal ligament and oral mucosa soft tissues has been selected for evaluation and prosthetic load investigation. In the present study, the simulation of the complex behavior of these soft tissues was accomplished using an analysis program simulating the non-linear properties of these soft tissues.

The purpose of the present study was to introduce nonlinear tissue behavior properties into the periodontal ligament and oral mucosa analysis models for functional investigation of the different prosthetic designs using extracoronal magnetic attachments.