The Effect of Non-Contact Conditions in a Splinted Fixed Partial Denture on the Load Sharing Mechanism: A Finite Element Study

A computer-aided design model for a fixed partial denture was constructed and used in a finite element analysis to study the overall load sharing mechanism between the fixed partial denture and oral structures while the denture base rested on the alveolar ridge. To investigate the consequences of non-contact conditions, three additional models were generated incorporating a uniform clearance of 0.125 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.5 mm, respectively. A 100 N static load located at the free end of the prosthesis was applied while the distal portion of the jaw was set fixed. The results show that whilst releasing the ridge almost entirely, the presence of the clearance drastically increased the load on the splinting teeth. A pull-out force on the canine tooth of about 44 N was computed, accompanied by a mesio-distal moment of about 500 N·cm. The combination of which was similar to the tooth extraction maneuver performed by the dentist. In contrast, the second premolar was found to bear a push-in force of almost 115 N. The first molar, though barely solicited in the contact condition, became substantially loaded in non-contact conditions, which validates the choice of sacrificing three teeth to support the denture.