Three-dimensional finite element analysis of mini implants supported mandibular overdenturas.

BACKGROUND: Overdenture supported by two to four implants located in the mandibular mental foramen area has been widely used in edentulous patients. However, in patients with severe mandibular resorption, it is a challenging to insert conventional implants. Mini-implants are a better choice in these cases. OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze the biomechanical characteristics of conventional and mini-implants supported mandibular complete overdenture and to reveal the influence of different implant repair methods on implants and its surrounding tissues. METHODS: The cone beam CT data of a healthy patient scheduled to receive complete edentulous implant supported overdenture was obtained. CT data of the patient, implant and attachment data were imported into the software to create four models: 2 normal implants, 4 normal implants, 4 mini implants, and 5 mini implants supported mandibular overdentures respectively. The overdenture was bilaterally subjected to a vertical load of 150 N. The displacement and stress of implants and the stress of bone were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: For all models, the lowest and highest maximum values of stress in bone were obtained from 4 normal implant model (2.71 MPa) and 4 mini implant model (7.93 MPa). The lowest and highest maximum values of displacement in implant were obtained from 4 normal implant model (1.37 μm) and 2 normal implant model (1.57 μm). Moreover, the lowest and highest maximum values of stress in implant were demonstrated from 4 normal implant model (12.90 MPa) and 4 mini implant model (22.17 MPa). The biomechanical values of mini implant models were higher than those of conventional models. The biomechanical values of all models were below the critical limits. The distribution was more homogenous and the maximum values of displacement in the implant, stress in implant and stress in bone were reduced as the number of implants increased. Three-dimensional finite element analysis revealed that mandibular overdenture supported by four or five mini implants is a reliable treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]