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Stress and strain analyses of removable partial denture abutment tooth in relation to the position of the minor connector

Milić-Lemić Aleksandra (School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Belgrade)
Erić Jelena (University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Radović Katarina (School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Belgrade)
Elenčevski Sašo (Ss Kiril and Methodius University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Skopje, FYR Macedonia)
Živković Rade (School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Belgrade)
Tihaček-Šojić Ljiljana (School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, Belgrade)

Introduction/Objective For optimum loading distribution, the angle formed by the occlusal rest and the vertical minor connector from which it originates should be less than 90°. The objective of the article was to visualize the optimum angle between the occlusal rest and the minor connector in terms of intensity and distribution of occlusal loads using finite element analysis. It was the intention, concerning biomechanical behavior, to document that the optimum angle between the occlusal rest and the minor connector should be less than 90°. Methods Three different virtual models of partial edentulous Kennedy III class were created using the CATIA design computer program with different angles between the occlusal rest and the minor connector. Stress distribution after simulated occlusal loading was analyzed using the finite element method. Results Comparing the results obtained for three models, the highest stress values were seen in model 3 (the angle between the occlusal rest and the small connector is greater than 90°) whether the load is applied in the middle or at the end of the saddle. Conclusion Within limitations and on the basis of the study results, the minimum compressive stress was seen in model 1, where the angle between the occlusal rest and the minor connector was less than 90° whether the load is applied in the middle or at the end of the saddle. It is recommended that obtuse angle between the rest and the minor connector should be avoided due to potential hazardous stress concentration on abutment teeth.

Keywords: minor connector, occlusal rest, finite element analysis, stress and strain