Finite element stress analysis of restored primary teeth: A comparative evaluation between stainless steel crowns and preformed zirconia crowns

Abstract

Background: Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) till now accepted as the best restorative modality for primary teeth, are being frowned on due to their poor esthetic appeal. The recently introduced preformed zirconia crowns are a more esthetic alternative, but the ability of these crowns to withstand stresses in the intraoral environment has not been tested. This study is a continuation of an earlier study done by the same authors to understand the stresses an SSC is subjected to under occlusal forces.Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of preformed zirconia crowns with the gold standard SSC for the restoration of primary teeth through a finite element analysis.Settings and Design: In vitro.Materials and Methods: The study design employed two finite element models, with the same amount of tooth structure, one restored with SSC and the other with preformed zirconia crown. The finite element models were exported to ANSYS software and subjected to an average simulated bite force of 245N.Statistical Analysis Used: The finite element models were exported to ANSYS software subjected to an average simulated bite force of 245N.Results: Preformed zirconia crowns suffered lesser Von maximal stresses along with its underlying dentine.Conclusions: Even at maximal physiologic masticatory force levels, a grossly destructed tooth restored with preformed zirconia crown can withstand stress better than a tooth restored with SSC.