Davide Apicella

Nonlinear visco-elastic finite element analysis of different porcelain veneers configuration.

This study is aimed at evaluating the biomechanical behavior of feldspathic versus alumina porcelain veneers. A 3D numerical model of a maxillary central incisor, with the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the alveolar bone was generated. Such model was made up of four main volumes: dentin, enamel, cement layer and veneer. Incisors restored with alumina and feldspathic porcelain veneers were compared with a natural sound tooth (control). Enamel, cementum, cancellous and cortical bone were considered as isotropic elastic materials; on the contrary, the tubular structure of dentin was designed as elastic orthotropic. The nonlinear visco-elatic behavior of the PDL was considered. The veneer volumes were coupled with alumina and feldspathic porcelain mechanical properties. The adhesive layers were modeled in the FE environment using spring elements. A 50N load applied at 60 degrees angle with tooth longitudinal axis was applied and validated. Compressive stresses were concentrated on the external surface of the buccal side of the veneer close to the incisal margin; such phenomenon was more evident in the presence of alumina. Tensile stresses were negligible when compared to compressive ones. Alumina and feldspathic ceramic were characterized by a different biomechanical behavior in terms of elastic deformations and stress distributions. The ultimate strength of both materials was not overcome in the performed analysis.

The Importance of Cortical Bone Orthotropicity, Maximum Stiffness Direction and Thickness on the Reliability of Mandible Numerical Models

AIM To identify mechanical and geometrical variables affecting the biofidelity of numerical models of human mandible. Computed results sensibility to cortical bone orthotropy and thicknesses is investigated. METHODS Two mandible numerical models of different bone complexities are setup. In the low-complexity model, cortical bone is coupled with isotropic materials properties; constant thickness for cortical bone is adopted along the mandible structure. In the higher complexity model, the cortical bone is considered as an orthotropic material according to an independent mechanical characterization performed on fresh human dentate mandibles. Cortical thickness distribution, the values of the principal elastic moduli and principal directions of orthotropy are considered as piecewise heterogeneous. Forces for masseter (10 N), medial pterigoid (6 N), anterior (4 N) and posterior (4 N) temporalis muscles are applied to the models. Computed strains fields are compared with those experimentally measured in an independent test performed on a real human mandible in the same loading conditions. RESULTS Under closure muscles forces both models shows similar strain distribution. On the contrary, strain fields values are significantly different between the presented models. CONCLUSIONS The mandible structure is sensible to compact bone orthotropy and thickness at the facial side of condylar neck, retro molar area and at the lingual side of middle portion of the corpus in molars area, anterior margin of the ramus. In these areas, it is advisable to use orthotropic properties for cortical bone to accurately describe the strain state.

Nonlinear visco-elastic finite element analysis of porcelain veneers: a submodelling approach to strain and stress distributions in adhesive and resin cement.

PURPOSE To assess under load the biomechanical behavior of the cementing system of feldspathic vs alumina porcelain veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 3D model of a maxillary central incisor, the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the alveolar bone was generated. Incisors restored with alumina and feldspathic porcelain veneers were compared to a natural sound tooth. Enamel, cementum, cancellous and cortical bone were considered isotropic elastic materials; conversely, dentin was designated as orthotropic. The nonlinear visco-elatic behavior of the PDL was considered. The adhesive layers were modelled using spring elements. A 50-N load at a 60-degree angle to the tooths longitudinal axis was applied and validated. Stress concentration in the interfacial volumes of the main models was identified and submodelled in a new environment. RESULTS Regarding tooth structure, strain concentrations were observed in the root dentin below the CEJ. As to the cement layer, tensile stresses concentrated in the palatal margin of the adhesive complex. CONCLUSION Despite the effects on tooth deformation, the rigidity of the veneer did not affect the stress distributions in the cement layer or in the adhesive layers. In both cases, the palatal and cervical margins seemed to be the most stressed areas.

Innovative Biomaterials in Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

In the last few years the Authors have been coordinating researches in multi key enabling technologies that conveys together activities involving advanced materials and biotechnology. These advancements are allowing innovative biomimetic systems, which are facing societal challenges with high potential for innovation and growth. The use of biocompatible and biomechanically active materials that can be designed to reproduce bone compatible and biomimetic scaffolds that can adapt themselves in mutating physiological conditions is presented in the present chapter.

Implant-to-bone force transmission: a pilot study for in vivo strain gauge measurement technique

The experimental determination of local bone deformations due to implant loading would allow for a better understanding of the biomechanical behavior of the bone-implant-prosthesis system as well as the influence of uneven force distribution on the onset of implant complications. The present study aimed at describing an innovative in vivo strain gauge measurement technique to evaluate implant-to-bone force transmission, assessing whether and how oral implants can transfer occlusal forces through maxillary bones. In vivo force measurements were performed in the maxillary premolar region of a male patient who had previously received a successful osseointegrated titanium implant. Three linear mini-strain gauges were bonded onto three different buccal cortical bone locations (i.e. coronal, middle, apical) and connected to strain measuring hardware and software. A customized screw-retained abutment was manufactured to allow for vertical and horizontal loading tests. As to the vertical load test, the patient was instructed to bite on a load cell applying his maximum occlusal force for 20 s and then recovering for 10 s to restore the bone unstrained state; the test was repeated 20 times consecutively. As regards the horizontal load test, the implant was subjected to a total of 20 load applications with force intensities of 5 and 10 kg. During the tests, the recorded signals were plotted in real time on a graph as a function of time by means of a strain analysis software. The described strain gauge measurement technique proved to be effective in recording the forces transmitted from osseointegrated implants to the cortical bone. Horizontal loads caused higher deformations of cortical bone than vertical biting forces; in both situations, the deformation induced by the force transferred from the implant to the bone progressively decreased from the coronal to the apical third of the alveolar ridge. At approximately 9 mm from the implant neck, the effect of occlusal force transmission through osseointegrated titanium implants was negligible if compared to the apical region.