Finite element and experimental analyses of polymer-based dental bridges reinforced by ceramic bars

Dental bridges made of polymer materials reveal only low loading capacity. This paper analyzes possible improvements of the loading capacity of polymer-based dental bridges reinforced by incorporated ceramic bars. Finite element (FE) analyses were performed to study the stress distribution caused by the mastication process in the bridge material. In the experimental part of the study, the fracture load of dental bridges with and without ceramic bar reinforcement was evaluated. Critical stresses occur in the connector area between abutment and pontic of bridges without bar reinforcement. A suitably shaped ceramic bar incorporated into the polymer-based bridge can significantly reduce these critical stresses. The fracture load of the bridge was increased from 515 to 1603 N by the bar reinforcement. We conclude from our study that a ceramic bar can significantly improve the loading capacity of a polymer-based dental bridge. The FE and the experimental analyses revealed that the detailed design of the ceramic bar is of decisive importance for the effectiveness of the suggested ceramic reinforcement.