Abstract
There has been controversy as to whether superstructures should be splinted or un-splinted when several implants are installed for restoring partial edentulous space. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in stress distribution using 3-dimensional finite element models of splinted and un-splinted superstructures for implants installed in the mandibular posterior region.
Results indicated that there was little difference between splinted and un-splinted superstructures under loadings in the axial direction. Splinted superstructures showed smaller and more distributed stress under oblique loadings.
From the results of this study, it is suggested that splinted superstructures have biomechanical advantages over un-splinted ones when the inter ach relationship or implant installation angle is not favorable.
