Biophysical stress analysis of restored teeth: modelling and analysis

The utility of finite element (FE) modelling of the strength of restored tooth complexes, as part of an integrated methodology, is demonstrated. FE models are developed which compare well with the strain measurements reported in the companion paper and show how the strain is distributed throughout the tooth complex. In particular, the models demonstrate the important role of bonding agents, both in distributing strain throughout the tooth complex and contributing to its recovery strength characteristics similar to those of the sound tooth. The examination of the role of bonding in restorative technology provides an excellent means through which to illustrate the use of the integrated methodology to investigate the stress analysis of restored teeth.