Finite-Element Analysis of Stress and Strain in Mandibular Overdentures Supported by Splinted versus Nonsplinted Implants.

Abstract

The objective of the current study is to investigate the relative effect of splinted and nonsplinted implants on stress and strain in the supporting tissue around implants in two-implant-supported mandibular overdentures. Two models of mandibular overdentures using locators (nonsplinted implants) and bar locators (splinted implants) were constructed, and a vertical load of 100 N was placed on the central fossa of the mandibular first molar. Stress and strain values were obtained using three-dimensional finite-element analysis (ANSYS R18.0). Splinting reduced stress in peri-implant bone in the ipsilateral implant by half and in the contralateral implant by a quarter. Greater stress and a rise in strain from 59 to 79 με in the posterior ridge were also observed with splinting. The model with splinted implants showed more favorable stress distribution in peri-implant bone, perhaps due to better distribution through the bar and the posterior ridge. These findings should be corroborated with clinical studies.