Biomechanical methods applied in dentistry: a comparative overview of photoelastic examinations, strain gauge measurements, finite element analysis and three-dimensional deformation analysis

Abstract

The aim of this article is to illustrate and discuss current methods applied in the analysis of biomechanical components in dental applications. For illustration purposes, the strain development of a non-passively fitting implant supported fixed restoration was evaluated using the four techniques: photoelastic examination, strain gauge measurements, finite element analysis, and three-dimensional deformation analysis. Photoelastic analysis only allowed for a raw estimation of the strains evoked by superstructure fixation. Quantitative results could be derived from both strain gauge measurements and three-dimensional deformation analysis which could then be used to simulate the loading situation around the supporting implants.