Objective: To compare the performances of various materials used in mandibular locator CAD/CAM-milled bar implant overdentures based on biomechanics using finite element analysis and regression modeling.
Materials and Methods: Four materials were analyzed, Titanium Alloy Type IV, Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Cobalt Chromium Alloy Type III, and High Strength Zirconia. A 3D model of an edentulous mandible with four implants was created with Solidworks software. FEA was run to determine von Mises stress, resultant displacement, and equivalent strain using static load study under applied loads from 0 to 200 N. Linear regression analysis was performed to build models to predict equivalent strain.
Results: Maximum resultant displacement and equivalent strain were shown by the PEEK followed by Titanium Alloy Type IV, Cobalt Chromium Alloy Type III, and High Strength Zirconia. Regression analysis showed an excellent linear relationship for all the materials. Thus, regression values can be used to predict equivalent strain.
Conclusion: Material choices greatly affect stress distribution and deformation within implant-supported restorations. While PEEK was more deformable, it may have produced the highest stress on the prosthetic components. Titanium Alloy Type IV and Cobalt Chromium Alloy Type III had the most similar patterns of stress in the supporting bone. High Strength Zirconia demonstrated the least stress on implant assemblies compared to titanium.