Abstract
BACKGROUND: Resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) offer a minimally invasive approach while delivering excellent aesthetics and functionality. This study aimed to examine the stress distribution in RBFDPs. METHODS: Two intact natural teeth (#11 and #13) were selected and mounted into a dental model using a silicone mold, with tooth #12 removed to simulate the absence of a maxillary lateral incisor. Four cantilever RBFDP models were created: Model 1, #11 abutment, made of zirconia; Model 2, #13 abutment, made of zirconia; Model 3, #11 abutment, made of lithium disilicate; and Model 4, #13 abutment, made of lithium disilicate. A 200 N occlusal force was applied to the pontic. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to quantify the maximum von Mises stress distribution in the framework, cement layer, and periodontal ligament (PDL). RESULTS: The maximum von Mises stress in the framework was highest in the zirconia RBFDP with #11 as the abutment (model 1), and lowest in the lithium disilicate RBFDP with #13 as the abutment (model 4). Regarding the cement layer, the maximum von Mises stress was greatest in the lithium disilicate RBFDP with #11 as the abutment (model 3), and lowest in the zirconia RBFDP with #13 as the abutment (model 2). CONCLUSIONS: The canine is a more efficient abutment than the central incisor in terms of maximum von Mises stress in the framework, cement layer, and on the PDL. Regarding the materials used, zirconia showed lower von Mises stress on the cement layer. Therefore, a zirconia cantilever RBFDP with the canine as the abutment is recommended as the preferred choice for all-ceramic cantilever RBFDPs.