Inlay-Retained Dental Bridges—A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Inlay-retained dental bridges can be a viable minimally invasive alternative when patients reject the idea of implant therapy or conventional retained full-coverage fixed dental prostheses, which require more tooth preparation. Inlay-retained dental bridges are indicated in patients with good oral hygiene, low susceptibility to caries, and a minimum coronal tooth height of 5 mm. The present study aims to evaluate, through the finite element method (FEM), the stability of these types of dental bridges and the stresses on the supporting teeth, under the action of masticatory forces. The analysis revealed the distribution of the load on the bridge elements and on the retainers, highlighting the areas of maximum pressure. The results of our study demonstrate that the stress determined by the loading force cannot cause damage to the prosthetic device or to abutment teeth. Thus, it can be considered an optimal economical solution for treating class III Kennedy edentation in young patients or as a provisional pre-implant rehabilitation option. However, special attention must be paid to its design, especially in the connection area between the bridge elements, because the connectors and the retainers represent the weakest parts.