Three-point bending test simulation on implant fpds with a bio-faithful model.

Aim of the study: It is well known by previous important studies that mandible flexes during different jaw movements. According to this assumption it is very important to know how implant supported fixed partial dentures could restrict mandibular movements and, could lead to excess strain accumulation that could modify the resolution of implant treatment. The aim of our project is to create a bio-faithful model able to recreate mandibular movements, during three point bending test methods of (FIXED -PARTIAL -DENTURES) FPDs, to avoid a not flexible metal base, where models' properties doesn't allow to obtain a bio-faithful simulation during testing phases.

Materials and methods: 2 implants (premium Sweden and Martina®) were embedded in mandible resin section to mimic osteointegrated implants in premolar and molar areas, in order to recreate a Kennedy Class II configuration. Our mandible test simulator was creating according to the measurement obtained according to the study of Schwartz-Dabney and Dechow (2002). Sample so created is tested with testing machine (Instron 5566^®, UK) adopting the three point bending mechanical tests configuration.

Discussion and conclusion: We can admit that oral cavity is a bio-dynamic system, where different variables incurr, so it's very important that experimental conditions simulate clinical environment. Experimentation should be based on the correlation between the failure mechanisms exhibited for in vitro samples and those observed in fractured clinical prostheses made of the same composition and processing conditions. A bio-faithful model could reduce this wide range between in vitro and in vivo study experimentation.