Stresses in Teeth and Overlying Crowns

A complete cast crown allows the operator to modify axial tooth contour. The margin should be smooth and distinct and its width has to allow adequate bulk of metal at the margin. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by finite element analysis, the influence of different degree of taper and marginal designs for cast crown preparations, on the stress distribution in teeth and crowns. As experimental model an upper first molar was used. The geometry of the intact tooth were obtained by 3D scanning. The tooth preparations and the complete cast crowns were designed. Models were exported in a finite element analysis software for structural simulations. Von Mises equivalent stresses were calculated and their distribution was plotted graphically. Numerical simulations provide a biomechanical explanation for stress distribution in prepared teeth and overlying crowns.