Abstract
The stress effects of splinting configurations used with I-bar retained bilateral distal extension RPD the abutment teeth were periodontally involved have been studied. The purpose of this study was to photoelastically assess the effect of splinting on the stress induced in supporting structures by a distal extension I-bar RPD when all residual teeth were periodontally involved.
Three composite photoelastic models were made of a mandible bilaterally edentulous distal to the first premolars. Individual simulant materials were used for tooth structure, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The alveolar bone configuration represented a normal periodontal condition, as well as horizontal bone loss of 20 and 35%. I-bar partial dentures with mesial restsand distal guide planes were fabricated for the three models.
Simulated vertical and lateral occlusal loads were applied to the dentures for the condition of the premolar abutment not splinted. The abutment teeth were then sequentially fixed splinted, so that all combinations of intra-arch splinting were studied. The stress patterns developed for each condition were recorded.
