Comparative evaluation of the materials of the telescopic retainer

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare the materials of the telescopic retainer on stress distribution in the abutment teeth of removable partial denture in the mandibular posterior edentulism. Methods: An mandibular posterior edentulism three-dimensional finite element model was constructed. Cobalt-chrome alloy, Titanium, type ¢ó dental gold alloy properties were assigned to the metal part of the telescopic retainer. The static loads were simulated. Principal tensile and compressive stress values in the abutment teeth and Von mises stress values in the periodontal ligament were compared and analyzed. Results: Although the materials of the metal part of the telescopic retainer changed, similar stress distribution and close stress level were observed in each three-dimensional finite element model. The highest principal compressive stress (HPCS) and Von mises stress (HVMS) located at the distal cervix of the abutment teeth, the HPCS and HVMS values were only a little higher in the type ¢ó dental gold alloy model while the highest principal tensile stress values were only a little higher in the Cobalt-chrome alloy model. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this simulation study, with the use of different materials of the telescopic retainer, the results suggest that the magnitude and the distribution of stresses in the abutment teeth and periodontal ligament have only a little difference. From the viewpoint of biomechanics, the metal part of the telescopic retainer can be substituted by the low-price metal.