Stress-strain Analysis of Premolars With Non-carious Cervical Lesions: Influence of Restorative Material, Loading Direction and Mechanical Fatigue.

Noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are characterized by a loss of dental structure at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) caused by stress, biocorrosion, and attrition. Variations in occlusal loading can promote different stress and strain patterns on the CEJ. Restoration of NCCLs is part of lesion management; however, there is still no conclusive restorative protocol for NCCLs. This study aimed to evaluate the stress and strain distribution of maxillary premolars with NCCLs according to three factors: 1) restorative technique; 2) direction of occlusal loading; and 3) mechanical fatigue. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) and strain gauge testing were used to assess stress and strain, respectively. 3D-FEA orthotropic, linear, and elastic models were generated: sound tooth (SO); unrestored NCCL; or NCCL restored with glass ionomer; flowable composite resin; nanofilled composite resin (CR); lithium disilicate ceramic; and nanofilled composite resin core associated with a lithium disilicate laminate (CL). A 150-N compressive static load was applied in two conditions: axially in both cusps (Al); and at a 45° angle to the long axis of the tooth applied to the palatine cusp (Ol). For the experimental tests, specimens were treated as described previously, and one strain gauge was attached to the buccal surface of each tooth to record tooth strains before and after cyclic loading (200,000 cycles, 50 N). FEA showed that the association of NCCL and Ol resulted in higher stress values. CR and CL restorations showed the closest biomechanical behavior to SO for both loading types. Loaded Al or Ol specimens showed higher strain values after mechanical fatigue. Lower stress and strain were observed with Al when compared with Ol. The restoration of NCCLs with composite resin only or associated with ceramic laminates seems to be the best approach because the results for those groups were similar in biomechanical behaviors to sound teeth.