Three dimensional finite element analysis for direct fibre - Reinforced composite dental bridge

In this study, three-dimensional finite element (FE) models were developed for determining the stress and displacement distributions in a direct composite dental bridge reinforced with high density etched polyethylene fibres. The accuracy of the FE model was established via a convergence study and an appropriately fine FE mesh with around 21,000 degrees-of-freedom (dof) was adopted for the investigations. Model variations were made by changing the number of the fibre spans and the bond conditions on the proximal surface between the artificial and the abutment teeth. The significance of modelling with and without an adhesive layer was also investigated. The results, based on the finite element analysis, are expected to provide dental clinicians with some structural implications, which will aid the implementation of such composite cantilever dental bridges.