Finite Element Analysis in Setting of Fillings of V-Shaped Tooth Defects Made with Glass-Ionomer Cement and Flowable Composite

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the deformation–stress state of fillings of V-shaped tooth defects by finite element analysis (FEA). Two different materials are used—auto-cured resin-reinforced glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and flowable photo-cured composite (FPC). Two materials are placed into the cavity in one portion, as before the application of the composite the cavity walls are covered with a thin adhesive layer. Deformations and equivalent von Mises stresses are evaluated by FEA. Experimental study of micro-leakage is performed. It is established that there is an analogous non-homogeneous distribution of equivalent Von Mises stresses at fillings of V-shaped defects, made with GIC and FPC. Maximum stresses are generated along the boundaries of the filling on the vestibular surface of the tooth and at the bottom of the filling itself. Values of equivalent Von Mises stresses of GIC fillings are higher than that of FPC. Magnitude and character of deformation distribution at GIC and FPC fillings are similar—deformation is maximum along the vestibular surface of the filling and is 0.056 and 0.053 mm, respectively. In FPC fillings, the adhesive layer, located along the cavity/filling boundary, is characterized with greatest strain. The experimental study of micro-leakage has confirmed the adequacy of models used in FEA.