Three Dimensional Modeling of a Ceramic Fixed Dental Prosthesis

Alton B. Chambers1, 2, 3, Matthew G. Araujo1, 2, 3, Yuanyuan Duan2, 3, and Kartikeya Singh Jodha2, 3, Jason Griggs2, 3

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To create 3D models of a multilayered three-unit all-ceramic fixed dental prosthesis which
contains abutment teeth, dental cement layer, framework, fusion glass layer and veneering
porcelain layer for the future mechanical stress analysis using finite element method (FEM).
To test the hypothesis that stress values estimated for fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) using the
based on the fractal dimensions of the fracture surfaces in conjunction with the critical flaw
dimensions will be equal to the 1st principal stress predicted for the same locations by finite
element modeling.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Micro-computed tomography (Skyscan1172,
Microphotonics) was used to reconstruct 3D scans of specimens, and the data was uploaded into
the 3D modeling software (ScanIP, Simpleware). During data reconstruction, the framework
mask was constructed by thresholding based on radiolucency. Then, the fusion glass layer, pre-
molar, and molar abutments were constructed by segmentation. From the framework mask,
multiple operations were applied including, 3D editing for the construction of the fusion glass
layer, cavity fill, and Boolean operations to extract the needed pre-molar molar abutments,and
the pre-molar and molar cementation layers. Tetrahedron volume meshes were created in the
FEA module (ScanFE) for all the components.
RESULTS: The modeling phase of the 3D three unit dental bridge is complete, and the transfer
into finite element modeling software (ABAQUS, Simulia), which is where stress analysis is
performed, is currently pending.
The model has a good structural similarity with the physical specimen. It is composed of multiple
components: two abutment teeth, dental cement layer, framework, fusion glass layer and
veneering porcelain layer. The thickness of the dental cement layer is 100 microns,and the
thickness of the fusion glass layer is 100 um.The number of the elements for each component are
100000 for molar abutment, 100000 for the premolar, 100000 for cement layer, etc.
CONCLUSION: Accurate three-dimensional finite element models of FDPs can be generated by
combining micro-CT technique and Simpleware software, which will be used to provide tools for
understanding, investigating and predicting the premature failures of all-ceramic FPDs.
The Conclusion is a mixture of the significance below
SIGNIFICANCE: If fractal analysis method is validated, then it will provide tools for more
efficient failure analysis with the goal of identifying and eliminating failure modes of all-
ceramic FPDs possibly having a major impact on patients and dentists.

With the concerns surrounding the toxicity and allergenic activity of metals, the use of
metal fixed partial denture are steadily declining which has led to the increased usage of ceramic
fixed partial dentures instead of the highly debated metal implants. Recent meta-analyses from
clinical trials revealed that all-ceramics FPDs have increased cusp chipping and major fracturing
compared to traditional metal-ceramics FPDs. In our lab we use the following procedures are
used: surface crack in flexure (SCF) tests, fixed partial denture (FPD) tests, finite element
modeling/finite element analysis (FEM/FEA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We are
completing the first phase of the following hypothesis:Failure stress values estimated for FDPs
using the D* value in conjunction with the critical flaw dimensions will be equal to the 1st
principal stress predicted for the same locations by finite element modeling.” This is done
through the usage of the 3D modeling software Simpleware in to construct a three unit dental
bridge, and the next phase id the uploading into the stress analysis software ABAQUS,so that the
fracture toughness of these materials can be determined by fractal analysis of the fracture
surfaces. In conclusion our project provides tools for more efficient failure analysis with the goal
of identifying and eliminating failure modes of all-ceramic FPDs possibly having a major impact
on patients and dentists.

INTRODUCTION: With the concerns surrounding the toxicity and allergenic activity of
metals, the use of metal fixed partial denture are steadily declining which has led to the increased
usage of ceramic fixed partial dentures instead of the highly debated metal implants. Recent
meta-analyses from clinical trials revealed that all-ceramics FPDs have increased cusp chipping
and major fracturing compared to traditional metal-ceramics FPDs.