A Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Three Different Connector Designs in Predicting Fracture Resistance of Metallic, Metal-Ceramic and All-Ceramic Core Full Coverage Four Unit Bridge

A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Aim: Purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the effect of three different connector designs in predicting fracture resistance of Metallic, Metal-ceramic and All Ceramic full coverage four unit bridge by using Finite Element Analysis.

Materials and Method: A three dimensional model of a four unit bridge in the fourth quadrant was fabricated. These bridges were designed with 3 different materials and 3 different connector designs. A load of 500N was applied onto the pontics and the probability of fracture resistance was assessed using Finite element analysis.

Results: Metallic bridge with circular connector had the highest fracture resistance compared to other connector designs.

Conclusion : Metallic bridge with circular connector had the highest fracture resistance compared to others due to more surface area and  All- ceramic bridge with triangular connector had the lowest fracture resistance due to less surface area.