This study explores the implant-supported prosthetic treatment alternatives of the edentulous mandible from a biomechanical point of view by means of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Finite element (FE) models were used to simulate cases treated with six, five, and four, implants and a fixed prosthesis with a cantilever. In the four implant treatments, three cases were analyzed; the posterior implants were placed in axial positions, angled at 30° and 45°. Cases with six and four axially placed implants were also analyzed by placing the posterior implants distally to the foramen, thus eliminating the cantilever in the prostheses. In the cases with implants between foramina, the highest values for the principal strains and von Mises stresses were observed in the case with four implants where the posterior implants were angled at 45°. Cases with implants placed distally to the foramen and without a cantilever showed much lower bone stress and strain levels compared to cases with implants between foramina. From a biomechanical point of view, it seems to be a better option to use implants positioned distally to the foramen, eliminating cantilevers.
Keywords: biomechanics; dental implant; edentulous mandible; finite element analysis.