3D-FEA of Implant Anchorage Technique in the Anterior Maxillary Region

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the stress distribution in single-unit implant-supported prosthesis of external hexagon, internal hexagon and Morse taper implants in the anterior maxillary region varying bone anchorage technique by 3D finite element analysis.
Methods: Nine 3D models were simulated by Rhinoceros 4.0. Each model was developed with an anterior maxillary segment of bone block and one implant of 3.75x10mm varying the implant connection (external hexagon, internal hexagon implant and Morse taper) and bone anchorage technique (conventional, Summers technique and bicortical fixation) supporting a cemented-retained single metal-ceramic crown. The applied forces were 178N in three load conditions – 0º, 30º and 60º. The finite element software FEMAP 11.1.2 was used to generate the finite element models in and in the post-processing stage. All models were solved by NeinNastran 10.0. The results were plotted in maximum principal stress and von Mises criteria. The statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey tests.
Results: The results showed that the load inclination was the main factor of the differentiation of stress distribution among the models (p<0.001). The bicortical fixation was more favorable to stress distribution compared to other techniques (p=0,031). Biomechanically, the Morse taper was more favorable in both loadings (p>0,001).
Conclusions: The bicortical fixation showed the best biomechanical behavior and the Morse taper is more effective for decreasing the stress distribution on cortical bone in the tested conditions.