Comparing different bar materials for mandibular implant-supported overdenture: Finite-element analysis.

Aim: This study was conducted aiming to optimize the selection of bar material that can minimize stresses on mandibular bone.

Subjects And Methods: One finite-element model was created under ANSYS environment to evaluate the use of different materials as a bar-manufacturing material in mandibular implant-supported overdenture (OD). Model components were created on engineering computer-aided design software and then assembled under the finite-element package. A force of 200 N was unilaterally and vertically applied on the left second premolar area.

Results: Within these study conditions, the polyether ether ketone bar produced the lowest Von Mises stress on OD and the maximum value of deformation. Stainless steel bar produced the maximum OD total deformation.

Conclusions: Cortical and spongy bones are not sensitive to the bar material. Increasing bar material stiffness increases Von Mises stresses in the bar itself and reduces its total deformation, in what is called overconstrained system.