Nonlinear Visco-elastic Finite Element Analysis of Porcelain Veneers: A Submodelling Approach to Strain and Stress Distributions in Adhesive and Resin Cement

Purpose: To assess under load the biomechanical behavior of the cementing system of feldspathic vs alumina porcelain veneers. Materials and Methods: A 3D model of a maxillary central incisor, the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the alveolar bone was generated. Incisors restored with alumina and feldspathic porcelain veneers were compared to a natural sound tooth. Enamel, cementum, cancellous and cortical bone were considered isotropic elastic materials; conversely, dentin was designated as orthotropic. The nonlinear visco-elatic behavior of the PDL was considered. The adhesive layers were modelled using spring elements. A 50-N load at a 60-degree angle to the tooth's longitudinal axis was applied and validated. Stress concentration in the interfacial volumes of the main models was identified and submodelled in a new environment. Results: Regarding tooth structure, strain concentrations were observed in the root dentin below the CEJ. As to the cement layer, tensile stresses concentrated in the palatal margin of the adhesive complex. Conclusion: Despite the effects on tooth deformation, the rigidity of the veneer did not affect the stress distributions in the cement layer or in the adhesive layers. In both cases, the palatal and cervical margins seemed to be the most stressed areas. Keywords: finite element analysis, veneer, feldspathic ceramic, alumina, prosthodontics