Finite Element Stress Analysis of a Restored Axisymmetric

Experimental stress analysis of dental structures has been a topic of interest during the past quarter century. The object of such research was the determination of stress distribution and improvement of the mechanical strength of these structures. Most of the stress analysis of dental structures was carried out using the photoelastic technique.1-8 A more recent method of stress analysis, originally developed in 19569 in the aircraft industry, is the finite element method. This technique has since been in widespread use not only in aerospace engineering, but also in civil engineering. The finite element method has proved to be extremely effective for the treatment of problems of plane stress and plane strain.10,11 The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution of the stresses in a first molar with three marginal configurations using the finite element method.