Stress analysis of clasps made of glass fiber-reinforced composite material using three-dimensional finite element method: influence of shape in cross and longitudinal sections of circumferential clasp arms

Dent Mater J. 2007 Jul;26(4):534-44. doi: 10.4012/dmj.26.534.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different cross-sectional shapes and presence of taper on stress distribution in clasp arms made of glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material. Stress analysis of clasps was performed under a constant load (5 N) using a three-dimensional finite element method with due consideration to the anisotropy of unidirectional FRC material. Results were then compared with clasp arms made of metal- an isotropic material. It was found that both FRC clasps and metal clasps yielded similar results. As for the displacement of clasp arms with a basic cross-sectional shape under a load of 5 N, the amount of displacement showed that FRC clasps provided sufficient retentive force required for clinical application.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Composite Resins / chemistry*
  • Dental Alloys / chemistry
  • Dental Clasps*
  • Dental Prosthesis Design / methods*
  • Dental Stress Analysis / methods*
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Composite Dental Resin
  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Alloys
  • Polyurethanes