Biomechanical Behavior of an Implant System Using Polyether Ether Ketone Bar: Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Aim and objectives: This study assessed, through finite element analysis, the biomechanical behavior of an implant system using the All-on-Four^® technique with nickel-chromium (M1) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) bars (M2).

Materials and methods: Implants and components were represented in three-dimensional (3D) geometric models and submitted to three types of load: axial, oblique, and load on all teeth. The 3D models were exported to a computer-aided design-like software such as Solidworks 2016 (Dassault Systemes, Solidworks Corps, USA) for editing and Nonuniform Rational Basis Splines parametrization.

Results: Data were analyzed according to system's areas of action: peri-implant bone, implant, intermediates, intermediates' screws, prostheses' screws, and bars. Largest peak stress was shown in M2.

Conclusion: PEEK is a promising material for use in dentistry; however, further studies are necessary to evaluate its performance.

Keywords: Biomedical and dental materials; dental implant-abutment design; dental implants; finite element analysis.

Figure 1

Peaks on peri-implant bone according to Mohr coulomb criterion (in megapascals)

Figure 2

Results for the peri-implant bone under oblique load (outer and sectional view)

Figure 3

Peak stress on implants according to von Mises criterion (in megapascals)

Figure 4

Results of left posterior implant under oblique load (vestibular view [V])

Figure 5

(a) Results of the left posterior implant under load for all teeth (lingual view-L). (b) Results for the intermediate's screw and left posterior screw under oblique load (lingual view-L)

Figure 6

Percent of tensile yield strength on the outer sides peaks of the bars according to Rankine criterion (in megapascals)

Figure 7

Maximum main stress under load on all teeth on nickel–chromium and polyether ether ketone bars (apical view-A)