Effect of viscoelastic deformation of soft tissue on stresses in the structures under complete denture.

The time dependency of stress distribution in the supporting structures under dentures was simulated, under three loading conditions, by visco-elastic finite element stress analysis. In this simulation, viscoelastic material, was used as a model for soft tissue. The results indicate that the viscous flow of soft tissue and the loading position are factors determining stress intensity in the supporting structures under the denture. The stress intensity in the supporting structures was lowered when the occlusal force shifted towards the palatal side. Simulated results support Pound's lingualized occlusion theory.