Effect of masticatory load on cracks deflection/penetration investigated with en-face optical coherence tomography in ceramic fixed partial dentures

摘要

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows a better characterization of dental prostheses. The detection of substance defects within the ceramic layers for metal-ceramic prostheses was demonstrated. The detected defects have a large volume and therefore there is a high likelihood for fracture lines to be generated in the proximal areas of the ceramic fixed partial dentures. If the detection of such defects is feasible before inserting the prosthesis into the oral cavity, then timely corrective measures are possible in order to avoid the fracture of the ceramic component later on. After noninvasive localization of cracks in ceramic fixed partial dentures, the effect of the biaxial loading on crack deflection/penetration at the ceramic interface was investigated. A biaxial loaded geometry was numerically investigated using Finite Element Analysis in order to determine the energy release rate. The obtained results could be used in conjunction with criteria at interface for estimating the path of the crack after the interface was reached.