Influence of a V-shaped palatal vault on denture base materials’ characteristics: a finite element analysis

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, the influence of a V-shaped palatal vault on the characteristics of denture base materials was studied.

Materials and methods: A finite element model was especially developed for this study with an average denture base thicknesses of 2 mm. Three different denture base materials were investigated under 100 N vertical and oblique loading. A linear static analysis was carried out.

Results: Finite element analysis showed a very low level of bone Von Mises stress under vertical loading, which means that three denture base materials and mucosa distributed the applied load and absorbed its energy perfectly, whereas mucosa was negligibly affected by changing denture base material and showed low/safe levels of stresses.

Conclusion: The V-shaped palatal vault affects denture base materials that, with a reduction in rigidity, will increase the mucosa-induced stress levels. Thus, denture base material selection requires a compromise between flexibility and durability