Splinting Anterior Teeth With Periodontal Bone Loss: 3D Analysis Using Finite Element Method



Geramy A^{1, 2} ; Moslemi N³ ; Retrouvey JM⁴ ; Shariati M⁵ ; Salehi H⁶ Show Affiliations
Source: Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine Published:2015

Abstract

Aim: Splinting, as a treatment procedure for patients with alveolar bone loss to immobilize their teeth is prescribed without a thorough knowledge of their long term effects, feeling satisfied with their short-term results. Materials and methods: Six three-dimensional (3D) finite element models were designed of a mandibular anterior segment with three bone loss patterns (four incisors, two incisors v-shape, two incisors horizontal pattern). Each model consisted of a spongy core surrounded by 1 mm thick cortical layer, anterior teeth PDL, and a bonded lingual fixed retainer in three models. SolidWorks 2006 was selected for the modeling phase. Analysis was done by ANSYS Workbench Ver. 11.0. A force vector of 187 N was applied at the incisal edges of the central incisors vertically simulating the bite on two incisors (stage 1), and four incisors (stage 2), at the right canine simulating canine (stage 3). The von Mises stress in the PDL of the teeth was evaluated. Results: A 26-32.6% of stress decrease in working side canine combined with an increased stress on other anterior teeth was shown after splinting in lateral excursion movement. Biting on four incisors, an increased stress (3-12.7%) on laterals and canines (100%-160%) was shown. Central incisor stress depends on the bone loss pattern. Biting on two incisors increased the lateral incisors stress dramatically regardless of bone loss pattern. Conclusion: Splinting cannot be prescribed in all bone loss cases. The efficiency of splinting depends on the bone loss pattern and also the number of teeth involved in biting. © 2015 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.