A method for calculating the compliance of bonded-interfaces under shrinkage: Validation for Class I cavities

Abstract

ObjectiveThe compliance for tooth cavity preparations is not yet fully described in the literature. Thus, the objectives were to present a finite element (FE) method for calculating compliance and to apply this to peak shrinkage stress regions in model cavities restored with resin-composite. MethodsThree groups of FE-models were created, with all materials considered linear, homogeneous, elastic and isotropic: (a) a pair of butt-joint bonded cubic prisms (dentin/resin-composite), with dentin of known compliance (0.0666μm/N). Free ends were fixed in the Z-axis direction. A 1% volumetric shrinkage was simulated for the resin-composite. Mean displacements in the Z direction at each node at the dentin–resin interface were calculated and divided by the sum of normal contact forces in Z for each node. (b) A series of more complex restored cavity configurations for which their compliances were calculated. (c) A set of 3D-FE beam models, of 4mm×2mm cross-section with lengths from 2 to 10mm, were also analyzed under both tensile and bending modes. ResultsThe compliance calculated by FEM for the butt-joint prisms was 0.0652μm/N and corresponded well to the analytical value (0.0666μm/N). For more accurate representations of the phenomenon, such as the compliance of a cavity or any other complex structure, the use of the displacement–magnitude was recommended, as loading by isotropic contraction also produces transversal deformations. For the beam models, the compliance was strongly dependent upon the loading direction and was greater under bending than in tension. SignificanceThe method was validated for the compliance calculation of complex structures subjected to shrinkage stress such as Class I ‘cavities’. The same FEM parameters could be applied to calculate the real compliance of any interface of complex structures. The compliance concept is improved by considering specific load directions.