Finite Element Evaluation of the Effect of Adhesive Creams on the Stress State of Dentures and Oral Mucosa

Abstract

The base fit between a removable partial denture (RPD) and the underlying soft tissue plays a significant role in its performance. The application of a denture adhesive is hypothesized to result in better retention of RPDs and, as a result, contribute to lower stress on the oral mucosa. The objectives of this study were to observe and compare the distribution of simulated bite forces applied to the RPD through the abutments and soft tissue for models with and without the use of a denture adhesive. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible benefit of using a denture adhesive in lowering stresses on the oral mucosa. The RPD, mandible, oral mucosa, abutment teeth supporting the RPD, and the corresponding abutment periodontal ligaments (PDLs) were modelled as 3D volumes based on computer tomography (CT) datasets. A viscoelastic adhesive layer between the RPD and oral mucosa was incorporated into this base model using Prony series approximation. The layer was developed as a volume extract using the denture surface. Finite element (FE) simulations were performed for the bite force on one of the RPD segments, with the resulting force and moments experienced by the dental structures and oral mucosa compared between the model with the adhesive layer and the base model without. As a result, the contact pressure on the oral mucosa for the model with the denture adhesive decreased to 0.15 MPa as compared to 0.25 MPa for the model without the adhesive. The potential role of denture adhesives in leading to a better fit between the RPD and oral mucosa as well as lowering contact pressures could be used to improve comfort in patients wearing RPDs.

The Role of Denture Adhesives on the Oral Health of Partial Denture Wearers: A Numerical Study

“…(2021) for the model with such a direct hard contact. [ 17 ] These reaction forces show the effect described above in great detail for a specific bite loading case of 130 N on one of the edentulous regions. This type of force application assumes, that the entire dental arch may not be under bite load simultaneously at any given instant of time.…”

“…[20] The parameters were fit with the help of a four-parameter Prony series approximation. [25] The corresponding fit parameter values are described in the work of Ramakrishnan et al (2021). [17] The model results highlight the possible benefits associated with the application of adhesives from a numerical perspective.…”

“…Ramakrishnan et al (2021) studied numerically with the application of a single bite in the form of point and surface load, which has been illustrated in this study and literature. [17] This work first describes an ideal scenario with a simplified bite simulation and assumption of isotropic material distribution for the jawbone, partial dentures, and all the dental structures. The model also initially does not consider the details of dental structures such as the abutment teeth and specifically does not include the periodontal sections around them.…”

“…and d) the contact pressure with the adhesive layer. [17] The PDLs were modeled as hyperelastic materials using the Ogden third-order hyperelastic material model. [21] The modeling approach is described in detail by Ramakrishnan et al (2021).…”

“…Figure 1. a) The contact mechanical situation of the RPD-oral mucosa interface without the denture adhesive and b) with the denture adhesive, c) The contact pressure without the adhesive,and d) the contact pressure with the adhesive layer [17]. …”