Impact of various aging treatments on the microhardness and surface roughness of CAD-CAM monolithic restorative materials

PURPOSE

Dental ceramics deteriorate as a result of thermal aging and exposure to acidic solutions, which change their microhardness and surface roughness. This study assessed the resistance of several computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) restorative dental materials in terms of surface roughness and microhardness following exposure to acidic solutions and thermal aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five different monolithic CAD-CAM restorative materials, two leucite-reinforced glass ceramics (G-Ceram and CEREC Blocs), a zirconia-infiltrated lithium silicate (Celtra Duo), a resin nanoceramic (Grandio), and monolithic zirconia (inCoris TZI), were used to create 2-mm-thick rectangular specimens (n = 100). After being immersed in either acidic saliva (pH = 4.0) (ST) or gastric juice (pH = 1.2) (GT), each material was subjected to 10,000 cycles of thermal aging. The Vickers microhardness and average surface roughness of the specimens were assessed at baseline, following thermal aging and exposure to either gastric juice or acidic saliva. The surface properties were examined using an atomic force microscope. The Mann‒Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis (a = 0.05).

RESULTS

The surface roughness of two leucite-reinforced glass ceramics (G-ceram and CEREC) significantly decreased with ST (p = 0.027 and p = 0.044). Only the CEREC was affected when the aging protocols were compared, and the ST group had a significant reduction in roughness (p = 0.009). The microhardness values significantly decreased after both aging protocols in all groups except for the ST subgroup of G-Ceram. Only inCoris was affected when the aging protocols were compared, and the GT group exhibited a significant reduction in microhardness (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The surface roughness of the tested materials was not affected by the GT. Only leucite ceramics exhibited a decrease in surface roughness in the ST stage. Both aging processes produced a significant decrease in the microhardness of the tested ceramics. Leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic materials may be advantageous for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and those with a diet high in acidic foods due to their lower values for changes in microhardness and surface roughness compared to those of other CAD-CAM materials.

The effect of different abutment and restorative crown materials on stress distribution in single-unit implant-supported restoration: A 3D finite element stress analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of restorative materials with or without resin content, modeled on zirconia and titanium abutment materials, on the stress distribution on the alveolar bone, implant, and prosthetic crowns with a 3D finite element stress analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Titanium and zirconia abutments were combined with three implant-supported crown materials (polymer infiltrated hybrid ceramic (PICN), lithium disilicate (LD), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS)) to create six experimental groups. The 40×30×20 mm alveolar bone, 3.75×10 mm implant, esthetic abutment, and maxillary first premolar crown bonded over the abutment were the components of the finite element models. On the lingual cusp of the crown, the 150 N occlusal loading was applied in the buccolingual direction at a 30° angle. Equivalent von Mises stress and maximum and minimum principal stresses were used for both the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the stress distribution of the created models.

RESULTS

The von Mises stress in implant and abutment did not differ according to the crown materials. The use of a zirconia abutment resulted in higher von Mises stress values in the abutment but lower stress values in the implant. The highest stress values were obtained in ZLS (196.65 MPa) and LD (194.05 MPa) crowns. The use of titanium abutments, regardless of crown materials, resulted in higher von Mises stress values in restorative crowns than in zirconia abutments. The principal stress values in alveolar bone showed similar distribution and concentration in all models.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in crown material did not affect stress distribution in the implant and peripheral bone. However, the zirconia esthetic abutment resulted in a lower stress concentration on the implant. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The effects of heating rate and sintering time on the biaxial flexural strength of monolithic zirconia ceramics

The strength of zirconia ceramic materials used in restorations is dependent upon sintering. Varying sintering protocols may affect the biaxial flexural strength of zirconia materials. This in vitro study was conducted to investigate the effects of sintering parameters on the biaxial flexural strength of monolithic zirconia. Two different monoblock zirconia ceramics were used. Following coloration, samples of both types of ceramics were divided into groups according to whether or not biaxial flexural strength testing was performed directly after sintering or following thermocycling. Biaxial flexural strength data was analysed with a Shapiro Wilk normality test, followed by 1-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc tests for inter-group comparisons, and paired samples t-tests for intra-group comparisons. A significant difference was found between the biaxial flexural strengths of Zircon X and Upcera ceramics before thermocycling (p<0.05). In both Zircon X and Upcera ceramic groups, the thermocycling process created a significant difference in the biaxial flexural strength values of the ceramic samples in Group 6 (p<0.05) which had the slowest heating rate and longest holding time. The zirconia ceramics have higher BFS at higher heating rates either before or after thermocycling. The holding time has significant effects on thermocycling and flexural strength. The zirconia achieved its optimum strength when it sintered at longer time regardless of heating rates.

Mechanical response of different frameworks for maxillary all-on-four implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis: 3D finite element analysis

This study's purpose is to assess the stress distribution in the peri-implant bone, implants, and prosthetic framework using two different posterior implant angles. All-on-four maxillary prostheses fabricated from feldspathic-ceramic-veneered zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) and feldspathic-ceramic-veneered cobalt-chromium (CoCr) were designed with 17 or 30-degree-angled posterior implants. Posterior cantilever and frontal vertical loads were applied to all models. The distribution of maximum and minimum principal stresses (σmax and σmin) and von Mises stress (σVM) was evaluated. Under posterior cantilever load, with an increase in posterior implant angle, σmax decreased by 4 and 7 MPa in the cortical bone when ZLS and CoCr were used as a prosthetic framework, respectively. Regardless of the framework material, 17-degree-angled posterior implants showed the highest σVM (541.36 MPa under posterior cantilever load; 110.79 MPa under frontal vertical load) values. Regardless of the posterior implant angle, ZLS framework showed the highest σVM (91.59 MPa under posterior cantilever load; 218.99 MPa under frontal vertical load) values. Increasing implant angle from 17 to 30° caused a decrease in σmax values in the cortical bone. Designs with 30-degree posterior implant angles and ZLS framework material may be preferred in All-on-four implant-supported fixed complete dentures.

Evaluation of physical properties of polyamide and methacrylate based denture base resins polymerized by different techniques

Aim

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the flexural strength, internal adaptation, elastic modulus, and maximum deflection of a newly introduced, strengthened injection-molded semi-flexed polyamide resin (Deflex) and a conventional heat-cured resin containing cross-linking polymethyl methacrylate denture base polymers (QC-20).

Materials and Methods

A vinyl polysiloxane film replicating the gap between the denture base and the metallic master model of an edentulous maxilla was weighed using an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.0001 g for the measurement of internal adaptation. The measurements were performed immediately after surface finishing. Seven rectangular test samples measuring 65 × 10 × 3.3 mm³ were set up for flexural strength test. Flexural strength test (three-point bending test) was performed using a universal machine under axial load at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. One-way ANOVA (α = 0.05) following by t tests was utilized in statistical analysis.

Results

The difference between the flexural strength of the denture base resins of Deflex and QC-20 was found to be statistically significant. The injection-molded resin demonstrated better internal adaptation compared to the conventional heat-polymerized resin. Evaluation of the physical test results revealed that the polyamide samples were more flexible than polymethyl methacrylate and did not break during flexural strength tests.

Conclusion

Some properties of denture base resins, such as resin types, internal adaptation, and mechanical strength, may play a significant role in clinical performance of complete dentures and removable partial prostheses. Because of the superior flexural strength properties and internal adaptation characteristics, Deflex may prove to be a useful alternative to conventional denture base resin.

Measurements of surface scale changes in different denture base materials by stereophotogrammetric technique

Background. This study aimed to evaluate the surface scale changes in the denture base material using different polymerization techniques, such as heat-cure/pressure polymerization system and injection molding technique with the stereophotogrammetric technique. The function of a complete denture is related to the adaptation of its base to the supporting areas. Proper adaptation of the base depends on the stability and retention of dentures. The surface scale changes of dentures during processing and in service are of great importance since they affect the denture base material's fit. Methods. This study focused on the use of a computer-assisted stereophotogrammetric method for measuring changes in the volume of three different denture base resins of an edentulous maxillary ridge. A stone master model simulating the shape of an edentulous maxillary arch was used to prepare three groups of denture base resins. The stereophotographs were evaluated to determine the surface scale differences of maxillary jaws. Results. The results showed no significant differences between the denture borders for three denture base materials (P > 0.05). Conclusion. In the evaluation made using this technique, no significant difference was found in the different polymerization techniques in terms of surface scale changes for three denture base materials. Stereophotogrammetry, especially the digital stereophotogrammetric technique, has several useful research applications in prosthodontics.

Effects of sintering time and hydrothermal aging on the mechanical properties of monolithic zirconia ceramic systems

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The flexural strength of zirconia restorations is partially dependent on the sintering process. Changes in sintering protocols as well as hydrothermal aging may affect the flexural strength of zirconia materials.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate how changes in sintering parameters and hydrothermal aging affect the biaxial flexural strength of monolithic zirconia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Specimens were produced from 2 translucent monolithic zirconia ceramics (Zircon X ST, Upcera YZ HT). After coloring, specimens of both ceramics were distributed into groups and subjected to 1 of 6 different sintering protocols. Half were subjected to biaxial flexural strength tests directly after sintering, and the remaining specimens were subjected to hydrothermal aging and then to biaxial flexural strength testing. Biaxial flexural strength data were analyzed by using a statistical software program. Normality of distribution was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Biaxial flexural strength data were compared among groups by using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests, and intragroup data were compared by using paired specimens t tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

The highest overall biaxial flexural strength value was obtained in UW-II. The highest biaxial flexural strength for Zircon X was obtained in ZX-VI and ZX-HTA-VI, whereas the highest biaxial flexural strength for Upcera was obtained in UW-II before hydrothermal aging and in UW-HTA-V after aging (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The biaxial flexural strength of Zircon X increased with longer sintering times. Upcera specimens were more fracture-resistant than Zircon X both before and after hydrothermal aging. Based on these findings, longer sintering times are recommended to increase the strength of monolithic zirconia.

The effect of the design of a mandibular implant-supported zirconia prosthesis on stress distribution

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Prosthetic complications have been frequently reported in implant-supported complete-arch prosthesis. Prosthetic restorations designed with an all-on-four treatment concept and fabricated from zirconia ceramic may be used to overcome these problems.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this biomechanical study was to evaluate the effects of cantilever length and inclination of implant on the stress distribution in bone tissue, implant, and a monolithic zirconia ceramic-lithium disilicate glass-ceramic superstructure for all-on-four prosthesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All-on-four mandibular prosthesis fabricated from a zirconia and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDGC) superstructure was designed with cantilever lengths of either 5 mm or 9 mm and posterior implants with a distal tilt of either 15 or 30 degrees. Stresses were evaluated with a simulated application of a static load of 600 N.

RESULTS

Increasing implant inclination from 15 to 30 degrees led to a decrease in maximum principal stress (MaxPS) values of approximately 4 to 7 MPa in cortical bone around all implants except the right anterior implant in the designs with short cantilevers and an increase in MaxPS values (approximately 3 to 19 MPa) in the same places in the designs with the long cantilevers. Increasing cantilever length from 5 to 9 mm resulted in an increase in minimum principal stress (MinPS) values of approximately 3 to 13 MPa in the cortical bone surrounding all posterior implants. In the designs with the long cantilever, MaxPS values increased approximately 3 to 4 MPa in spongy bone adjacent to the right posterior implant. An increase in cantilever length also led to higher vMS values at the first and second implant grooves in the right posterior implant in the design with the 15-degree implant tilt. An increase in implant inclination in the design with the short cantilever resulted in lower vMS values at the apex and all grooves of the left posterior implant, whereas in the design with the long cantilever, an increase in implant inclination resulted in lower stress values in the first and second grooves of the same implant. An increase in implant inclination led to in an increase in vMS values in the core structure.

CONCLUSIONS

In zirconia ceramic restorations by using an all-on-four design with an LDGC superstructure, short cantilevers may be preferable because they result in a more favorable distribution of stress than long cantilevers. An increase in implant angulation from 15 to 30 degrees decreased MaxPS values in cortical bone.

Effects of Cantilever Length and Implant Inclination on the Stress Distribution of Mandibular Prosthetic Restorations Constructed from Monolithic Zirconia Ceramic

PURPOSE

This study aimed to biomechanically evaluate the effects of cantilever length and implant inclination on the stress distribution of mandibular prosthetic restorations constructed from monolithic zirconia ceramic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mandibular full-arch prostheses supported by four implants constructed from monolithic zirconia were designed using either a 5-mm or 9-mm cantilever length and a 15-degree or 30-degree distal tilt for the posterior implants. A simulated static load of 600 N was applied from the right side at a 45-degree angle. Von Mises and principal stress values in superstructures were analyzed using the Mesh VR Studio program.

RESULTS

When the effects of cantilever length were examined, in the models with the 15-degree implant tilt, stress values for posterior implants, porcelain, and cortical bone were lower when the cantilever length was shorter (5 mm). In the models with the 30-degree implant tilt, stress values in all implants (except for the anterior implant on the right) and in the porcelain superstructure were lower when the cantilever length was shorter; however, stress values for cortical and spongious bone were lower with the longer (9 mm) cantilever. When the effects of implant inclination were examined, in the models with a 5-mm cantilever, stress values for posterior implants and cortical bone were lower when the implant tilt was more severe (30 degrees). In the models with a 9-mm cantilever length, stress values for the right anterior implant, posterior implants, and cortical bone were lower when the implant tilt was less severe (15 degrees).

CONCLUSION

Cantilever length and posterior implant inclination affected the distribution of force. Increasing the cantilever length led to a reduction in stress values in distally tilted posterior implants. Moreover, increasing the distal inclination led to a reduction in stress values in both the distally tilted posterior implants and cortical bone tissue in the model with a short cantilever. The monolithic zirconia full-arch porcelain superstructure was not affected by implant angulation, but was affected by cantilever length, with lower stress values observed with a longer cantilever.

Maxillary and mandibular all-on-four implant designs: A review

Objective

The objective of this review is to evaluate maxillary and mandibular all-on-four implant designs, their indications and contraindications, advantages and disadvantages.

Methods

By using Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, data from January 2003 to February 2018 were scanned electronically and manually as the title, abstract, and full text. The keywords specified were determined to be the all-on-four concept, full-arch implant prostheses, 4-implant full-arch, and tilted implants. The inclusion criteria consisted of the all-on-four implant design, its use in completely edentulous maxillary and mandibular cases, advantages and disadvantages of the technique, and changes observed in the maxilla and mandible in completely edentulous cases. Clinical trials and laboratory studies on the subject using the full text and English language were evaluated.

Results

A total of 176 articles were found as a result of Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library. Thirty-seven articles were selected according to inclusion criteria; of these, 20 were related to the clinical trials. In addition, a total of 13 articles were found as a result of an additional hand search by screening the reference list of all included publications; of these, 11 was related to the clinical trials.

Conclusions

It is necessary to carry out longer-term clinical and laboratory studies to determine long-term success criteria in all-on-four implant designs and to use new ceramic systems.

Comparison of mechanical and dynamic mechanical behaviors of different dental resins polymerized by different polymerization techniques

Purpose

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of autoclave polymerization method on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of different polymethylmethacrylate denture base materials.

Materials and Methods

Three different denture materials were used during the study, two of them were heat polymerizable denture base material (Meliodent and Paladent) and one was microwave polymerizable denture base material (Acron MC). Duncan test was used for the statistical analysis. Statistical analyses were completed using a two-way analysis of variance. Statistical analysis of test results was carried out with a 95% confidence level.

Results

Tensile strength was increased with autoclave polymerization regardless of the denture base material type. Paladent specimens with autoclave polymerization (30 min at 60°C and 10 min at 130°C) have the highest average impact strength value. Acron MC specimens have the highest average flexural strength and modulus. Flexural strength improved with autoclave polymerization for both of 10 and 20 min polymerizations for each of Meliodent and Paladent specimens.

Conclusions

Autoclave polymerization provided higher polymerization temperatures compared with the conventional heat polymerization. Autoclave-polymerized acrylic resin specimens showed higher tensile strength values; however, this was not the case for the impact test results. Flexural strength of specimens was improved with autoclave polymerization. Glass transition temperature was increased with autoclave polymerization.

Effect of green gold nanoparticles synthesized with plant on the flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resin

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle on the flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Materials and Methods

PMMA specimens (65 mm × 10 mm × 3.3 mm) containing different sizes (45 nm, 55 nm, and 65 nm) and concentrations (0.05% and 0.2%) of gold nanoparticles were prepared, along with a control group containing no added nanoparticles. Flexural strength of all specimens was measured, and one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post hoc multiple comparisons tests were performed to identify statistical differences between groups.

Results

The addition of gold nanoparticles increased the flexural strength of acrylic resin. Significantly greater increases were obtained with lower concentrations (0.05%) when compared to higher concentrations (0.20%).

Conclusion

Differences in concentrations of gold nanoparticles added to PMMA have significantly different effects on PMMA flexural strength, whereas differences in sizes of gold nanoparticles added to PMMA do not significantly affect its flexural strength. Accordingly, adding gold nanoparticles to PMMA may enhance the mechanical properties of denture bases used in clinical practice.

Effect of cavity design on the fracture resistance of zirconia onlay ceramics

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure modes of onlay restorations prepared with different preparation designs.

Materials and Methods

A total of 42 extracted, mandibular first molars (36, 46) were used and divided into six groups according to preparation design, as follows 1A: Anatomic preparation of cusps/rounded shoulder margin/occlusal groove; 1B: Flat preparation of cusps/rounded shoulder margin/occlusal groove; 2A: Anatomical preparation of cusps/occlusal groove; 2B: Flat preparation of cusps/occlusal groove; 3A: Complete anatomical reduction of cusps/rounded shoulder margin; 3B: Complete flat reduction of cusps/rounded shoulder margin groups; intact tooth: No preparation. Onlays were constructed with 0.5-mm copings of Zirconia ceramic. The copings were veneered with porcelain (IPS e. max Ceram). All samples were subjected to fracture resistance testing. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni-Dunn tests.

Results

Fracture resistance varied significantly according to preparation design. Among the anatomic occlusal preparation designs, fracture resistance was significantly lower in Group 3 when compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Among the flat occlusal preparation designs, fracture resistance was significantly higher in Group 1 when compared to Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preparation design affected the fracture resistance of onlay restorations. Cavities with flat occlusal preparation designs, a groove and shoulder margins (1B) resulted in the highest fracture resistance, whereas teeth prepared with a complete reduction of cusps and shoulder margins (3A) had the lowest fracture resistance.

Finite element analysis of stress distribution in ceramic crowns fabricated with different tooth preparation designs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Information about the effect of occlusal preparation designs on the stress distribution in different ceramic crowns and the prepared tooth is limited.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of anatomic and nonanatomic occlusal preparation designs on the stress distribution in ceramic crowns, teeth, and bone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Finite element analysis was performed on models of a mandibular second premolar. A load of 400 N was applied to the models to test ceramic materials (In-Ceram, Empress Esthetic) and occlusal preparation (anatomic, nonanatomic) designs.

RESULTS

The lowest stress value occurred in the core material in the Empress Esthetic model prepared with the nonanatomic occlusal preparation design. In all groups, higher stress values were found to be concentrated in the lingual half of the dentin. Lower stress values were located near the apex of the pulp tissue and bony tissue that surround the root apex.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in preparation designs did not result in differences in the distribution or amount of stress in pulp, dentin, or bone. The use of different ceramic materials resulted in no differences in the amount or distribution of stress in pulp and bone. The use of a crown with a high elastic modulus led to increases in stress values in the restoration and the dentin margin, and decreases in stress values in the occlusal surface of the dentin. The nonanatomic design can be recommended as a favorable preparation design for Empress Esthetic ceramic.

Effects of post core materials on stress distribution in the restoration of mandibular second premolars: a finite element analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Previous studies have not resolved the question as to which post and core combination optimizes the stress distribution within the post restoration and tooth.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine which post and core combination provides the most favorable stress distribution upon loading.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three-dimensional models of teeth were created with the Ansys program to simulate different materials used for post and cores (Ti, NiCr, AuPd, zirconia, zirconia post/composite resin core, glass fiber post/composite resin core, and carbon fiber post/composite resin core) and metal ceramic crowns (nickel chromium alloy [Group NiCr] and gold palladium alloy [Group AuPd]). A force of 400 N was applied to the occlusal surface, and von Mises equivalent stress values were calculated.

RESULTS

Carbon fiber post/composite resin core/metal ceramic crowns with NiCr alloy core had the highest stress values in the weakened root, tooth/post interface, and post. NiCr post/NiCr core/metal ceramic crowns with NiCr alloy core had the lowest stress values in the weakened root and post. The zirconia post and core had the lowest stress value in the tooth/post interface.

CONCLUSIONS

A post material with a high elastic modulus led to lower stress in the weakened root (approximately 6%) and tooth/post interface (approximately 12%) and to higher stress in the post (approximately 5 times). A composite resin core led to higher stress in the weakened root (approximately 11% to 17%) and lower deformation in the tooth/post interface (approximately 17.5%) and post materials (approximately 24%). Group AuPd resulted in lower stress in the root and high stress in the post (approximately 4.5% to 7%) and affected the amount of deformation in posts with a composite resin core.

Finite element analysis of stress distribution on modified retentive tips of bar clasp

This study used finite element analysis to evaluate the retentive tips of bar clasps made from different alloys and using different designs in order to determine whether or not different materials and tip forms are suitable for bar clasp applications. Co-Cr, Ti and Type IV Au alloys were selected based on their physical and mechanical properties. The 3D finite element models of three different bar clasp retentive tip geometries prepared from Co-Cr, Ti and Type IV Au alloys were constructed using the finite element software package MSC.Marc. Analysis of a concentrated load of 5 N applied to the removable partial denture approach arms in an occlusal direction was performed. Although stress distribution and localisation within bar clasps with different retentive tips were observed to be similar and were concentrated in the approach arm, stress intensities differed in all models.

Finite element analysis of stress distribution of 2 different tooth preparation designs in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

PURPOSE

The aim of this clinical simulation study was to investigate the effect of anatomic and nonanatomic occlusal preparation design on stress distribution in different metal-ceramic crowns and tooth and bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the finite element analysis method, a 2-dimensional mathematical model of a mandibular second premolar tooth and its supporting tissues was used. The analysis was performed by using a structural analysis program. Four groups were designed: gold-palladium alloy/anatomic occlusal preparation (Au-Pd/A), Au-Pd alloy/nonanatomic (flat) occlusal preparation (Au-Pd/N), nickel-chromium alloy/anatomic occlusal preparation (Ni-Cr/A), and Ni-Cr alloy/nonanatomic occlusal preparation (Ni-Cr/N). A distributed type load of 400 N (total) was applied to the centric stop points on the tip of the buccal cusp and on the central developmental groove in centric occlusion to all types of restorations.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that shear stresses in the dentin tissues and restorations in Au-Pd/A and Ni-Cr/A were similar. The shear stresses within the restorations in Au-Pd/N and Ni-Cr/N were similar.

CONCLUSION

Anatomic occlusal preparation designs were advantageous in stress distribution in the dentin tissue. Nonanatomic occlusal preparation designs were found to be advantageous in the stress amount and distribution in the porcelain structure. Occlusal preparation designs and restorative materials showed no differences in stress distribution and amount in the pulp tissue and bone tissues.