influence of the angle of cervical convergence on stresses to the pdl of abutments: a 3d analysis using finite element method

objective: this study was designed to compare the stress produced at the pdl of abutment teeth with two angles of cervical convergence, in otherwise similar settings. materials and methods: two finite element models were designed for a second premolar and a removable partial denture frame containing an i-bar clasp. maximum principal stress (s1) and von mises stress (seqv) were assessed along a cervico-apical path of nodes in the pdl. results: output data for s1 and seqv were the same regarding the height of contour. a gradual decrease in both models was observed. a larger decrease was found in the model with the higher angle of cervical convergence. conclusion: i-bars placed on teeth with lower angles of cervical convergence produce a higher stress to the pdl of abutments.