Objective: To analyze the biomechanics trait of one-piece computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) zirconia post and core by the Three-dimensional finite element.
Methods: The Three-dimensional finite element models of three upper central incisors restored with one-piece CAD/CAM zirconia post and core (group 1), refabricated zirconia post and hot-pressed porcelain core (group 2), and cast gold alloy post and core (group 3) were built by geometry method respectively. 100 N vertical loading through the central incisor models long axis and 100 N loading along directing at an angle of 45° with the models long axis were used to imitate the central incisor stress state in biting and mandible physiological protraction movement.
Results: Under vertical loading, the restored teeth without dentin ferrule, the maximum Von-Mises stress value of the tooth root in group 1 was the least(11.02 N), which was the largest (13.17 N)in group 2. The stress became weaker from the upper to the lower of the tooth root. The maximum Von-Mises stress value of the tooth root, post and core became smaller while the restored teeth with the 2.0 mm high dentin ferrule. Under directing at an angle of 45° loading, without the design of dentin ferrule in the restored teeth, the maximum Von-Mises stress value of the post and core in group 1 was the greatest(20.45 N), while that stress of post and core in group 3 was the smallest(13.61 N). With 2.0 mm high dentin ferrule design in the restored teeth, the tooth root stress became weaker. The maximum Von-Mises stress value of the tooth root was the greatest (14.10 N) in group 3, but which was the lowest (13.38 N) in group 1.
Conclusion: The results of the Three-dimensional finite element analysis infers that one-piece zirconia post and core restoration is more beneficial to disperse the bite force than the prefabricated zirconia post and the cast gold alloy post and core. The one-piece of zirconia post and core is good to protect the teeth and keep the restoration intact.