Optical stereometric analysis of an experimental partially-edentulous mandible

Abstract

Stereooptics method have been successfully used in biomechanical studies of dental models. The aim of this study was to investigate, on the basis of functional deformities, the distribution of occlusal loads on the casts of a partially-edentulous mandible without and with dedicated copings. Precise measurement of strain and displacement of partially-edentulous mandibular control and experimental casts were provided by the digital image correlation method and ARAMIS software. Simulated loads ranged from 0 to 1000 N. Displacements and deformations of abutment teeth within the control cast of a partially-edentulous mandible were 0.48% for incisor without coping, 10.29% for canine without coping, and 6.64% for premolar without coping, and within the experimental cast of a partially-edentulous mandible they were 0.29% for incisor with coping, 7.007% for canine with coping, and 4.98% for premolar with coping. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks sum test was not statistically significant for the majority of the examined parameters, except for the differences between deformations of teeth and copings under pressure p lt = 0.05. When loading the abutment teeth, the distribution of strain through the remaining tooth substance is specific and various. Abutment teeth covered by protective copings are more resistant to loads.