Comparison of Stresses Generated within the Supporting Structures of Mandibular Second Molars Restored with Different Crown Materials: 3-D Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Purpose: This study compares the FEA-calculated stresses generated within the supporting periodontal structure of a mandibular second molar restored with a full ceramic crown and with a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, each resisting occlusal forces acting at different inclinations.

Materials And Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models representing the crown of an unrestored mandibular second molar and two relevant restoration designs were constructed. Two designs represented the molar restored with a full ceramic crown and with a PFM crown, each cemented with the same resin cement.