Introduction: With the availability of diff erent post systems and various studies on the strength of teeth restored with posts, the controversy as to which post systems provide better stress distribution of post and longevity of tooth has not been resolved. The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distribution of three diff erent post materials using fi nite element analysis.Materials and nethod: Three dimensional fi nite element models of central incisor, three posts with crown were constructed on computer with software. Posts of three diff erent materials (Ni-Cr post, Glass fi ber post, and Zirconia post)with zirconia crown were virtually generated and a force of 100 N was applied at an angle of 450 on the palatal surface of the crown. Von Mises stresses were evaluated on the cervical, middle and apical third of the root.
Results:The maximum stresses were seen on the cervical one-third in each post material indicating that this region is more prone to fracture in tooth restored with posts. Among the three materials tested, Ni-Cr post showed maximum stress generation followed by Zirconia post and glass fi ber post. The maximum stresses generated by the posts were 11.4 MPa, 10.58 MPa and 4.11 MPa respectively.
Conclusion:The less rigid post material like glass fi ber post can be used in an endodontically treated anterior teeth.