Comparative evaluation of stress distribution of zirconia, cobalt chromium, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework material on an atrophic maxilla in all-on-six implant treatment concepts: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effect of prosthetic framework material on the stress distribution patterns of
the all-on-six implant support system under vertical and oblique loading.
Materials and methods: The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxilla were converted to
a stereo lithography file. HyperMesh software system was accustomed to convert three-dimensional pictures into
numerical models. Geometric models of short implant and zirconia, cobalt chromium, and polyetheretherketone
(PEEK) framework material were created using SOLID EDGE software and were then inserted in the bone model.
A total of six models were constructed with three different types of framework materials with four implants in the
anterior maxilla region and two distal short implants and mini-abutments. The prosthetic frameworks were made
with 14 teeth (central incisors to the second molar bilaterally). The models were transferred through the solid works
simulation program for finite element analysis and stress distribution investigation. An oblique load of 150 N with
30 inclination in the linguo-buccal direction and vertical loads parallel to the long axis of the tooth with 100 N
magnitude were applied unilaterally on the posterior teeth of each framework.
Results: Principal and Von misses stress in the PEEK framework were least when compared to stresses in the
zirconia and cobalt chromium framework on vertical loading and oblique loading.
Conclusion: PEEK as a framework material had the least stress for the all-on-six implant treatment concepts on
vertical and oblique forces than zirconia and cobalt chromium framework.