In vitro exploration and finite element analysis of failure mechanisms of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the debonding mechanisms of two-unit cantilevered and straight and bent three-unit fixed-fixed resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) and to measure the failure loads needed for debonding.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Failure load tests were performed using Bondiloy beams simulating both cantilevered and fixed-fixed RBFPDs, luted onto flat-ground buccal surfaces of bovine teeth with RelyX ARC, Panavia F2.0, and UniFix resin cements. The failure loads were recorded, and the debonded surfaces of both the enamel and the restorations were examined for details of interest. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate the stress concentrations within the cement layers at failure.

RESULTS

Simulated two-unit cantilevered and straight three-unit fixed-fixed RBFPDs showed a significantly higher failure load than the simulated three-unit fixed-fixed RBFPDs with a curved appearance. The FEA models revealed the magnitude and stress locations within the cement layer, resulting in an explanation of the different failure modes.

CONCLUSIONS

The low failure loads for the three-unit bent fixed-fixed RPFPDs, compared with their straight counterparts and the two-unit cantilevered RBFPDs, indicate that clinically a reserved attitude needs to be maintained with regard to three-unit fixed-fixed RBFPDs spanning a clearly curved part of the dental arch. The FEA results make it clear which part of the tooth restoration interface is subject to the highest stress levels, making it possible to design abutment preparations that avoid high interfacial stresses to help prevent debonding.