Relationship between the stress distribution and the shape of the alveolar residual ridge--three-dimensional behaviour of a lower complete denture.

PURPOSE: For a complete denture to function effectively, the denture must be stabilized during mastication. The alveolar ridge has various forms, and we must choose the artificial tooth arrangement that is most suitable to the form of the alveolar ridge. The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to examine the relationship between the alveolar ridge form and the stress distribution on the mucosa, and (ii) to model the contact condition between the denture base surface and mucosa.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the three-dimensional finite element method was used for the analysis. Four types of alveolar ridge were prepared. As a loading condition, three load places were prepared: the mesial position, the central position and the distal position. We utilized the 'contact option (MARC)' to simulate the true behaviour of the denture.
RESULTS: We were able to model the contact condition by using the 'contact option'. Maximum stresses were distributed on the alveolar ridge in which the absorption is severe. And, the distal load produced large compressive stresses on the inclined plane of posterior alveolar ridge in which alveolar form.