THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CLASS 2 INLAY ON MANDIBULAR MOLAR USING VARIOUS MATERIALS

Aim: To study the stress distribution in Class 2 Inlay of various materials on Mandibular Molar. Background: Inlays are fabricated using different materials like gold, porcelain or a cast metal alloy. Difference in the modulus of elasticity of the material and tooth structure would lead to generation of stresses leading to failure of the restoration or loss of tooth structure. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a mathematical tool for stress analysis in a structure. Von Mises stress being the combination of normal and shear stresses which occur in all directions. This stress has to be given diligent importance while considering the type and material of restoration to achieve long-term success. Methodology: In our study, stress analysis was performed on the mandibular first molar using a stress analysis software (ANSYS). A computer model of mandibular first molar was generated along with generation of an inlay volume using a FEA software preprocessor. The models with the class 2 inlays of different materials were subjected to 350N and 800N load simulating normal masticatory force and bruxism respectively. Maximum and minimum stresses were calculated for each model separately. Results: Von Mises stress distribution for different materials for normal masticatory forces and bruxism were studied and evaluated. Conclusion: The study revealed the maximum and minimum stresses imposed over the tooth and the restoration and provides insight into the areas which are more prone to fracture under the occlusal load.