The influence of functional forces on the biomechanics of implant-supported prostheses—a review

Objectives: To evaluate published evidence related to the influence of functional forces on the biomechanics of implant-supported prostheses. Data and sources. The literature was searched for original research articles relating control of loads on dental implants, effects of early and late occlusal loads, the influence of bone quality, prosthesis type, prosthesis material, number of supporting implants, and engineering techniques employed for evaluating mechanical and biomechanical behavior of implants using MEDLINE® and manual tracing of references cited in key papers otherwise not elicited. Study selection. Current literature on implant biomechanics as main focus and pertinent to key aspects of the review. Conclusions. The outcome of implant treatment is often maximized when implants are placed in dense bone, number of supporting implants are increased, implant placement configuration reduces the effects of bending moments, and when a fixed prosthesis is delivered to the patient.