The purpose of this study is to identify the stress levels that act in inlay and onlay restorations, according to the direction and value of the external force applied. The study was conducted using the Finite Element Method (FEM) of three types of ceramics: pressed lithium disilicate and monolith, zirconia, and three different adhesive systems: self-adhesive, universal, and dual-cure cements. In addition to FEM, the inlay/onlay-dental structure interface analysis was performed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The geometric models were reconstructed based on computer tomography images of an undamaged molar followed by geometrical procedures of inducing the inlay and onlay reconstructions. The two functional models were then simulated for different orientations of external force and different material properties, according to the considered adhesives and ceramics. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was conducted on 30 extracted teeth, divided into three groups according to the adhesive cement type. Both FEM simulation and SEM investigations reveal very good mechanical behavior of the adhesive-dental structure and adhesive-ceramic interfaces for inlay and onlay reconstructions. All results lead to the conclusion that a physiological mastication force applied, regardless of direction, cannot produce a mechanical failure of either inlay or onlay reconstructions. The adhesive bond between the restorations and the dental structure can stabilize the ceramic restorations, resulting in a higher strength to the action of external forces.
Keywords: FEM simulation; SEM investigation; adhesive luting systems; dental ceramics; interface.