Cantilever rests: an alternative to the unsupported distal cantilever of osseointegrated implant-supported prostheses for the edentulous mandible

Biomechanical Implications of Mandibular Flexion on Implant-Supported Full-Arch Rehabilitations: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Mandibular flexion (MF) is a complex biomechanical phenomenon, which involves a deformation of the mandible, due mainly to the contraction of the masticatory muscles, and it can have numerous clinical effects. The deformation of the lower jaw caused by mandibular flexion is generally very small, and it is often overlooked and considered irrelevant from a clinical point of view by many authors; however, it should be important to remember that median mandibular flexure (MMF) has a multifactorial aetiology. The main aim of the current systematic review is to highlight the different factors that can increase MF in order to help clinicians identify patients to whom they should pay more attention. As a secondary outcome, we wanted to analyse the preventive measures and suitable techniques to be adopted to minimise the negative effects of this phenomenon on oral fixed rehabilitations.

METHODS

The review, which was carried out in accordance with the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) flowchart, was recorded in the "International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews" (PROSPERO). As research questions, "Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes" (PICO) questions were employed. Using the ROBINS-I technique, the risk of bias in non-randomised clinical studies was evaluated.

RESULTS

The initial electronic search identified over 1300 potential articles, of which 54 studies were included in this systematic review. Information regarding the relationship between MF and individual factors, mandibular movements, impression taking, and fixed rehabilitations were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies included in this systematic review showed that MF is greater during protrusive movements, in the posterior areas of the lower jaw, and in patients with brachial facial type, greater jaw length; small gonial angle; and less density, length, and bone surface of the symphysis. The biomechanical effects of mandibular flexion on fixed restorations are debated. Prospective clinical and radiological observational studies should be conducted to evaluate the potential short-, medium-, and long-term consequences of MF.

Complications Associated with Metal Resin Fixed Complete Dentures Based on Implant Distribution

PURPOSE

To compare prevalence and type of complications associated with metal resin fixed complete dentures based on implant distribution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included data collected for a period of 12 years for patients treated with maxillary and mandibular implant-supported fixed complete dentures at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. In total, 223 patient's charts were reviewed which included 100 maxillary and 123 mandibular fixed complete dentures. Implant distribution and prevalence of complications associated with each implant-supported fixed complete denture were documented. Tooth delamination, the most common complication associated with fixed complete dentures, was compared between 2 implant distribution groups in each arch. Covariates including age, sex, opposing arch, cantilever occluding units, and number of implants were evaluated to determine their association with tooth delamination. Data and hypotheses were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics along with logistic regression model. All tests of hypotheses were considered statistically significant at an alpha level of 0.05.

RESULTS

In the maxillary arch, some effect of the prevalence of tooth delamination was seen for the group that had implants placed posterior to canine eminence but it was not statistically significant. Denture tooth delamination had the highest prevalence among complications irrespective of implant distribution. Significant denture tooth delamination was seen for patients with opposing fixed complete dentures in comparison to patients with removable opposing arch prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant distribution is not a significant factor related to metal resin fixed complete dentures. Opposing fixed complete dentures have a significantly higher association with denture tooth delamination.

The effect of mandibular flexure on the design of implant-supported fixed restorations of different facial types under two loading conditions by three-dimensional finite element analysis

Objective: Investigating the biomechanical effects of mandibular flexure (MF) on the design of implant-supported fixed restorations in edentulous jaws of different facial types.

Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models were established to analyze mandibular displacement and stress distribution of implant-supported fixed restorations (four or six implants, different implant numbers and sites, and the design of the superstructure across the dental arch in one or two or three pieces, under the loading conditions of maximum opening or right unilateral molar occlusion) in mandibular edentulous patients of three different facial types (brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial types).

Results: The brachyfacial type presented higher mandibular flexure and stress in the overall restorative system, followed by the mesofacial and dolichofacial types. During jaw opening and occlusal movements, the one-piece framework showed the lowest bone stress values surrounding the anterior implants and gradually increased to the distal position, and the three-piece framework showed the highest stress values for peri-implant bones. Also, the split framework could greatly increase the stress on abutments and frameworks. Moreover, fixed implant prostheses with cantilevers can generate high amounts of biomechanical stress and strain on implants and surrounding bones. The bone surrounding the anterior implant increased in stress values as the most distal implants were more distally located regardless of frameworks. The zirconia framework demonstrated higher stresses than the titanium framework.

Conclusion: The design of edentulous fixed implant-supported restorations can be optimized for facial types. For patients of the brachyfacial type or with high masticatory muscle strength, the non-segmented framework without a cantilever provides an optimal biomechanical environment.

A new mandibular deformation index predicts amount of bone deformation in edentulous patients treated with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis

PURPOSE

The present study was performed to examine the mandibular deformation during mouth opening in edentulous patients, treated with an implant-supported fixed prosthesis using strain gauges, and identify factors affecting deformation.

METHODS

Twenty patients with a fully edentulous mandible who received either 4 or ≥6 implants were included. The distal-most implants were placed mesial to the mental foramen (premolar region) in patients with 4 implants and distal to the mental foramen (molar region) in patients with ≥6 implants. Mandibular deformation during mouth opening was measured using strain gauges in two directions: anteroposterior direction and lateral direction between the distal-most implants on the left and right sides (arch width). The mandibular anatomy was evaluated using computed tomography.

RESULTS

Arch width reduction between the left and right implants during mouth opening ranged from 47.38 to 512.80 µm; the range of deformation was 0.12 to 15.14 µm in the anteroposterior direction. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was noted between arch width reduction in the premolar region and the ratio between the symphyseal bone height and width (P = 0.0003, r = 0.72).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in arch width was higher in the molar region than in the premolar region during mouth opening. Moreover, the reduction could be high in the mandibular symphyseal bone because of its greater height and lesser width. The ratio between the symphyseal bone height and width is defined as the mandibular deformation index (MDI) and is used to predict the rate of mandibular bone deformation.

Effect of cantilever length on stress distribution around implants in mandibular overdentures supported by two and three implants

Objective:

There is no definitive study comparing stress distribution around two versus three implants in implant-retained overdentures with different cantilever length. The purpose of this finite element study was to evaluate stress pattern around the implants of the 2 or 3 implant- supported mandibular overdenture with different cantilevered length.

Materials and Methods:

The models used in this study were 2 and 3 implant-supported overdenture with bar and clip attachment system on an edentulous mandibular arch. Each model was modified according to cantilever length (0 mm, 7 mm, and 13 mm); thus, 6 models were obtained. The vertical load of 15 and 30 pounds were applied unilaterally to the first molar and 15 pounds to the first premolar, and the stress in bone was analyzed.

Results:

With increasing cantilever length, no similar stress pattern changes were observed in different areas, but in most instances, an increase in cantilever length did not increase the stress around the implant adjacent to cantilever.

Conclusions:

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that increasing of cantilever length in mandibular overdentures retained by 2–3 implants did not cause distinct increasing in stress, especially around the implant adjacent to cantilever, it may be helpful to use cantilever in cases of mandibular overdenture supported by splinted implants with insufficient retention and stability. Based on the findings of this study, optimal cantilever length in mandibular overdenture cannot be determined.

A Comparative Analysis on Two Types of Oral Implants, Bone-Level and Tissue-Level, with Different Cantilever Lengths of Fixed Prosthesis

PURPOSE

Depending on esthetic, anatomical, and functional aspects, in implant-prosthetic restoration of a completely edentulous jaw, the selection of implant type is highly important; however, bone- and tissue-level implants and their stress distribution in bone have not yet been comparatively investigated. Hence, finite element analysis was used to study the influence of cantilever length in a fixed prosthesis on stress distribution in peri-implant bone around these two types of oral implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 3D edentulous mandible was modeled. In simulations, a framework with four posterior cantilever lengths and two types of implants, bone-level and tissue-level, was considered. A compressive load was applied to the distal regions of the cantilevers, and the von-Mises stress of peri-implant bone was investigated. The independent t-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient analyzed the results (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Stresses in the cortical bone around the bone-level implants were greater than those in the tissue-level implants with the same cantilever length. In addition, by extending the cantilever length, the stress values in peri-implant bone increased. Therefore, when the cantilever was at its maximum length, the maximum stress was in cortical bone and around the bone-level distal implants.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that treatment with tissue-level implants is potentially more advantageous than with bone-level implants for implant-supported fixed prostheses.

Clinical importance of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation: a review

The mandible has a property to flex inwards around the mandibular symphysis with change in shape and decrease in mandibular arch width during opening and protrusion of the mandible. The mandibular deformation may range from a few micrometres to more than 1 mm. The movement occurs because of the contraction of lateral pterygoid muscles that pulls mandibular condyles medially and causes a sagittal movement of the posterior segments. This movement of mandible can have a profound influence on prognosis and treatment outcome for various restorative, endodontics, fixed, removable and implant-related prosthesis. The review unfolds the causes, importance and clinical implications of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation. This review also highlights the appropriate preventive measures and techniques that should be adopted by clinicians to minimise the effect of flexural movement of the jaw during oral rehabilitation. This would not only help clinicians to achieve a good prosthesis with accurate fit and longevity but also maintain the health of the surrounding periodontal or periimplant gingival tissues and bone.

A comparative finite elemental analysis of glass abutment supported and unsupported cantilever fixed partial denture

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the load distribution and displacement of cantilever prostheses with and without glass abutment by three dimensional finite element analysis. Micro-computed tomography was used to study the relationship between the glass abutment and the ridge.

METHODS

The external surface of the maxilla was scanned, and a simplified finite element model was constructed. The ZX-27 glass abutment and the maxillary first and second premolars were created and modified. The solid model of the three-unit cantilever fixed partial denture was scanned, and the fitting surface was modified with reference to the created abutments using the 3D CAD system. The finite element analysis was completed in ANSYS. The fit and total gap volume between the glass abutment and dental model were determined by Skyscan 1173 high-energy spiral micro-CT scan.

RESULTS

The results of the finite element analysis in this study showed that the cantilever prosthesis supported by the glass abutment demonstrated significantly less stress on the terminal abutment and overall deformation of the prosthesis under vertical and oblique load. Micro-computed tomography determined a gap volume of 6.74162 mm(3).

SIGNIFICANCE

By contacting the mucosa, glass abutments transfer some amount of masticatory load to the residual alveolar ridge, thereby preventing damage to the periodontal microstructures of the terminal abutment. The passive contact of the glass abutment with the mucosa not only preserves the health of the mucosa covering the ridge but also permits easy cleaning. It is possible to increase the success rate of cantilever FPDs by supporting the cantilevered pontic with glass abutments.

Split-Framework in Mandibular Implant-Supported Prosthesis

During oral rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with an implant-supported prosthesis, mandibular flexure must be considered an important biomechanical factor when planning the metal framework design, especially if implants are installed posterior to the interforaminal region. When an edentulous mandible is restored with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis connected by a fixed full-arch framework, mandibular flexure may cause needless stress in the overall restorative system and lead to screw loosening, poor fit of prosthesis, loss of the posterior implant, and patient's discomfort due to deformation properties of the mandible during functional movements. The use of a split-framework could decrease the stress with a precise and passive fit on the implants and restore a more natural functional condition of the mandible, helping in the longevity of the prosthesis. Therefore, the present clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of an edentulous patient by a mandibular fixed implant-supported prosthesis with a split-framework to compensate for mandibular flexure. Clinical Significance. The present clinical report shows that the use of a split-framework reduced the risk of loss of the posterior implants or screws loosening with acceptable patient comfort over the period of a year. The split-framework might have compensated for the mandibular flexure during functional activities.

Reliability of a digital image method for measuring medial mandibular flexure in dentate subjects

Medial mandibular flexure (MMF) is the functional approximation of hemi-mandibles in jaw opening and protrusion, which may affect conventional or implant-supported arch prostheses.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a digital image method for linear measurement of MMF in dentate subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mandibular occlusal impressions in vinyl polysiloxane during rest and maximum opening were obtained from seven adult volunteers. Each impression and the Mitutoyo digital calipers with a 10mm opening were scanned at a 200% magnification. The images were processed using Adobe Photoshop software to get reference points on contralateral first molars. Linear intermolar measurements were taken using the Image Tool software (UTHSCSA), which was calibrated with the standard opening of the digital calipers. Intermolar distance was measured in triplicate for each image by two independent examiners. MMF was calculated by subtracting the intermolar distance in maximum opening (or protrusion) from the distance in rest position. Data were analyzed by intraclass correlation (ICC) tests for estimating intra- and inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

MMF values ranged from -0.21 to 0.44mm. Intra-rater ICCs were 0.982 and 0.993, and inter-rater ICC was 0.696.

CONCLUSION

The present results show excellent intra-rater and good inter-rater reliability of this digital image method for measuring MMF in dentate subjects.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of 1-piece superstructure on mandibular flexure

PURPOSE

Mandibular flexure may affect the stress distribution in the implant-supported fixed partial dentures, yet the phenomenon has received little attention in finite element analysis studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the restraining effects imposed by 1-piece cross-arch superstructure on mandibular flexure and implant stresses.

MATERIAL

Mandibular deformation and stress distribution in an implant-supported prosthesis (5 implants and 1-piece superstructure with 16.5 mm bilateral distal cantilevers) were analyzed by a 3-dimensional finite element model of a human edentulous mandible. To determine the effect of 1-piece cross-arch superstructure on mandibular flexure restriction, incisal clenching was simulated. During incisal clenching, maximum contraction of dental arch occurs. For this purpose, 9 pairs of masticatory muscles were simulated by multiple force vectors over areas of attachment.

RESULTS

A significant amount of stress (26.2 MPa) at the cortical bone surrounding the neck of the implant located at the symphysis assumed as a consequence of mandibular flexure. At the same area, maximum strain value of 1680 microstrain was detected. Moreover, maximum deformation of 0.35 mm was observed at the mandibular angle.

CONCLUSIONS

One-piece implant-supported superstructure restricted mandibular deformation to almost half of the amount observed in unrestricted mandibular models of previous studies. This phenomenon must be considered in finite element analysis studies.

An implant-supported, cobalt-chromium milled bar and nonflanged attachment-retained overdenture to rehabilitate the edentulous mandible

Rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible has been revolutionized by the use of osseointegrated endosteal implants. One treatment option for such rehabilitation is an implant-supported bar and overdenture. This article presents a procedure for the fabrication of an implant-supported, cobalt-chromium milled bar and nonflanged attachment-retained overdenture. The prosthesis described meets requirements for masticatory efficiency, natural esthetics, and maintenance of the health of residual tissues. The biological and mechanical considerations of the design, and the advantages, disadvantages, and contraindications of the prosthesis are discussed. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;102:46-51).

Treatment planning of the edentulous mandible

Edentulism can be a debilitating handicap. Zarb described endentulous individuals who could not function as 'denture cripples'.(1) Most difficulty with complete denture prostheses arises from the inability to function with the mandibular prostheses. Factors that adversely affect successful use of a complete denture on the mandible include: 1) the mobility of the floor of the mouth, 2) thin mucosa lining the alveolar ridge, 3) reduced support area and 4) the motion of the mandible (Figs 1,2). These factors alone can explain the difficulty of wearing a denture on the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch. The maxilla exhibits much less mobility on the borders of the denture than the mandible, moreover having a stable palate with thick fibrous tissues available to support the prostheses and resist occlusal forces. These differences explain most of the reasons why patients experience difficulty with using a complete denture on the mandibular arch compared to the maxillary arch.

Mandibular flexure and stress build-up in mandibular full-arch fixed prostheses supported by osseointegrated implants

The biomechanical effect of mandibular functional flexure on stress build-up in implant-supported fixed restorations is discussed. The relative deformations and stress distributions in six different designs of implant-supported prosthetic systems (six or four implants, with or without distal cantilevers, cross-arch or midline-divided bar into two free-standing bridges) were analysed by a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a human edentulous mandible. A significant amount of stress in the more distal implants and the superstructure at the symphysis arises as a consequence of mandible functional flexure. The analysis of the stress distributions generated by the different restorative patterns suggests that a division of the superstructure at the level of the symphysis significantly restores the natural functional flexure of the mandible.

Effect of anchorage systems and extension base contact on load transfer with mandibular implant-retained overdentures

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Controversy exists regarding the effect of anchorage systems and extension base contact on stress transfer to multiple implants by mandibular overdentures.

PURPOSE

This simulation study measured photoelastically the biologic behavior of 4 implants retaining a mandibular overdenture. The purpose of the investigation was to compare the load transfer characteristics of different mandibular-retained overdenture designs, with and without edentulous ridge contact.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A photoelastic model of a human edentulous mandible was fabricated having 4 screw-type implants (3.75 x 10 mm) embedded in the parasymphyseal area. Substructure designs utilizing a cantilevered bar, spark erosion framework, noncantilevered bar, and solitary anchors were fabricated. A vertical load of 30 lb was applied to the first molar unilaterally on each of the 4 standardized overdenture prostheses, with and without a silicone tissue spacer, for a total of 8 tested conditions. Stresses that developed in the supporting structure were monitored photoelastically and recorded photographically.

RESULTS

Without the simulated tissue contact on the posterior edentulous ridge, the cantilevered bar framework caused the highest stresses to the terminal implant, followed by spark erosion framework, non-cantilevered bar, and solitary anchor design. With simulated tissue contact under the extension base, stress transfer to the distal implant was uniformly reduced to a low level.

CONCLUSION

Without intimate extension base contact with the posterior edentulous ridge, the cantilevered anchorage systems generated the highest stresses, under load, to the ipsilateral terminal implant and the solitary anchor design transferred the least. With simulated intimate extension base contact, all anchorage systems transferred low stress to the distal implant region. For all conditions and designs, low stress was transferred to the contralateral side of the arch.

Theoretical study of the effects of tooth and implant mobility differences on occlusal force transmission in tooth/implant-supported partial prostheses

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite their mobility differences under occlusal loads, a natural tooth and an implant are often used together to support fixed prostheses. In some situations, tooth/implant-supported partial prostheses include cantilever extensions, especially in the posterior region where the bone is inadequate for placement of an additional implant.

PURPOSE

In this study, engineering beam theory was used to study the effects of the mobility differences between the implant and the tooth on the force and moment distribution, due to occlusal loads in tooth/implant-supported prostheses.

METHODS

The prosthesis was treated as a linear elastic beam and the supports were modeled as springs with (vertical) translational and rotational stiffness. The bending moments and forces on the supports were calculated as functions of the parameters that describe the geometry, position of the occlusal load, and stiffness ratios (namely, implant or tooth) of the springs.

RESULTS

Bending moments on the supports were more sensitive to the relative rotational mobility between the supports and their individual values than to the relative translational mobility. The moment at the implant was minimized when the supports had similar mobilities. A preliminary design concept was introduced and eliminated the moment at the implant without significantly increasing the magnitude of the moment at the tooth. Cantilevering the prosthesis resulted in moderately increased bending moments and considerable tensile forces on the supports for a broad range of the parameters that describe the geometry and loading.

CONCLUSIONS

From this simulation, it is suggested that cantilever extensions should be avoided or supported by a short implant, which will only restrain the vertical movement of the cantilever end.