Purpose: The present in silico study evaluated the behavior of titanium dental implants associated with abutments in zirconia and monotype zirconia implant using finite element analysis (FEA).
Methods: A partial image of the anterior region of the maxilla was obtained by computed tomography. Three models of finite element were made using 3D modeling software (SolidWorks): Ti-Ti (control): implant morse cone (3.75 x 11mm; NobelActive) and titanium abutment (Esthetic Abutment); Ti-Zr: cone morse implant in titanium (3.75 x 11mm; NobelActive) and zirconia abutment (Procera Esthetic Abutment #9); Zr: monotype zirconia implant (4.1 x 12mm; Straumann Pure Ceramic). Computerized crowns of element 11 in lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) cemented in all groups were created. A load of 100N (45º) was applied simulating the excursion movement of the incisal guide. The von Mises, modified von Mises, maximum (tensile) and minimum (compression) principal stresses were obtained, compared and used for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the groups.
Results: The Zr presented the lowest values of maximum, minimum, and von Mises tensions than the two pieces systems (Ti-Ti and Ti-Zr). Ti-Zr group had the highest values of tensions evaluated in this study.
Conclusions: The type of material as well as the geometry of implant influenc ed the tension values evaluated.
Keywords: Ceramics; Dental prosthesis; Implant-supported; Tensile strength; Titanium.