Photoelastic analysis to compare implant-retained and conventional obturator dentures

• Grant number: 12/04573-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Duration: August 01, 2012 - January 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Coelho Goiato
• Grantee: Marcelo Coelho Goiato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use the photoelastic analysis contributes to the rehabilitation of patients with oral-sinus-nasal sequelae which in turn affect important functions such as chewing, swallowing and speech. The prosthetic rehabilitation with implant-retained dentures is a suitable treatment option. The purpose of this study was to verify, by using a photoelastic analysis, the stress distribution in implant-retained palatal obturator dentures (relined or not) associated with different attachment systems (O-ring, bar-clip, and bar-clip associated with to distally placed O'rings). Two photoelastic models were obtained from an experimental maxillary cast presenting an oral-nasal communication. One model had two 13-mm length implants placed on the left region. A total of eight colorless maxillary obturators were fabricated and subsequently four of them were relined with soft silicone soft, and three had attachment systems associated. The assembly (model/attachment system/prosthesis) was positioned in a circular polariscope and a 100-N load was applied at 10mm/s. The results showed that the denture relining influenced the distribution and amount of stress on the models. The O'ring group displayed the lowest stress levels, followed by bar-clip system associated to distally placed O'rings and bar-clip groups. (AU)