Purpose: This study addresses stress distribution in the peri-implant bone of mandibular overdentures supported by there implants with different inclinations.
Materials and methods: Three separate 3D FE models were prepared to simulate mandibular implant overdentures with ball attachments. Each model was modified according to distal implant's inclination (0, 15, and 25 degrees), while the midline implant was kept straight. Four loads were applied to the denture: clench, masseter, pterygoid, and temporal loads. The behavioral characteristics of the peri-implant bone and the implants were studied and recorded under the applied loads for the three implant inclinations.
Results: According to the study, the stress distribution in the mandible varied depending on the implant inclination. The maximum stress observed on the mandible ranged from 19.1 to 36.1 MPa across all cases studied. As the implant inclination increased, the maximum stress and strain increased in both the mandible and implants. However, the rate of increase was found to be less pronounced at higher fixation angles.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that implant inclination should be carefully considered to minimize stress and strain on the mandible and implants during treatment planning for implant-supported overdentures.