The all-ceramic, inlay supported, fixed partial denture: a finite element analysis of design and its validation

Abstract

The research aims of this thesis were to examine the numeric method of the FEA (finite element analysis) as it applied to the all-ceramic, inlay supported FPD (fixed partial denture) as this particular retention method was not only more conservative than its full crown or onlay counterpart but also a riskier, more challenging and hence less popular alternative. As much research has been conducted into the full crown supported all-ceramic bridge, it was decided that FEA and its validation of the inlay version would serve not only as an examination of the FEA technique but to highlight the relative advantages, disadvantages and likelihood of success for this more clinically conservative option. The research outcomes as demonstrated via a unique series of five related published papers, that the numeric tool of the FEA or in its most advanced form, the XFEA (extended/ enriched finite element analysis) is robust and capable of accurately predicting both the origin and trajectory of fracture (in its current form, only a single origin is possible), and the magnitude of stress at fracture; thus providing the engineer and clinician with the confidence required to rely and extrapolate upon its responses. This thesis compares the relative benefits of the inlay vis-à-vis full crown supported all-ceramic FPD; examines their relative distribution of stress within the prosthesis via the use of the conventional FEA technique; examines the failure of the prototype bridge developed from the FEA with the use of fracture surface analysis; and finally provides the first satisfactory validation of an anatomically accurate FEA via the use of the XFEA.