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Review
. 2021 Aug 26:2021:5699962.
doi: 10.1155/2021/5699962. eCollection 2021.

Biomechanics in Removable Partial Dentures: A Literature Review of FEA-Based Studies

Mohammed A Mousa  1   2 , Johari Yap Abdullah  3 , Nafij B Jamayet  4 , Mohamed I El-Anwar  5 , Kiran Kumar Ganji  6 , Mohammad Khursheed Alam  6 , Adam Husein  1
Affiliations
Review

Biomechanics in Removable Partial Dentures: A Literature Review of FEA-Based Studies

Mohammed A Mousa et al. Biomed Res Int. .

Abstract

The present study was aimed at reviewing the studies that used finite element analysis (FEA) to estimate the biomechanical stress arising in removable partial dentures (RPDs) and how to optimize it. A literature survey was conducted for the English full-text articles, which used only FEA to estimate the stress developed in RPDs from Jan 2000 to May 2021. In RPDs, the retaining and supporting structures are subjected to dynamic loads during insertion and removal of the prosthesis as well as during function. The majority of stresses in free-end saddle (FES) RPDs are concentrated in the shoulder of the clasp, the horizontal curvature of the gingival approaching clasp, and the part of the major connector next to terminal abutments. Clasps fabricated from flexible materials were beneficial to eliminate the stress in the abutment, while rigid materials were preferred for major connectors to eliminate the displacement of the prosthesis. In implant-assisted RPD, the implant receive the majority of the load, thereby reducing the stress on the abutment and reducing the displacement of the prosthesis. The amount of stress in the implant decreases with zero or minimal angulation, using long and wide implants, and when the implants are placed in the first molar area.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The workflow steps of finite element analysis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3
The graph shows the number of FEA studies conducted on RPDs from 2000 to May 2021.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The portions of RPD components that receive the maximum stress.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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