Stress distribution in stainless steel crowns and zirconia crowns depending on different cement types: a finite element analysis

Background: A gap exists in the literature concerning the stress distribution in stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and zirconia crowns (ZrCs) when luted with different cement types. This study aimed to compare the stress distributions of SSCs and ZrCs luted with different cements using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Eight FEA models were created using two restoration types (SSC and ZrC) and four cement types: glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), zinc polycarboxylate cement (ZPC), and resin cement (RC). Stresses on crowns, teeth, and cements were analyzed. Results: In the SSC models, peak stresses on the crowns were concentrated at the functional cusp tips, whereas peak stresses on the tooth surface and luting cements were concentrated near the crown margins. Peak crown stress values were 31.21 MPa for SSC-GIC, 40.63 MPa for SSC-RMGIC, 35.97 MPa for SSC-ZPC, and 28.72 MPa for SSC-RC. Corresponding peak stresses on the tooth surface were 22.38, 16.54, 18.58, and 24.79 MPa, while peak stresses in the cement layer were 8.22, 5.50, 6.21, and 9.97 MPa, respectively. In the ZrC models, peak stresses on the crowns, tooth surface, and luting cements were concentrated near the crown margins. Peak crown stress values were 64.24 MPa for ZrC-GIC, 55.35 MPa for ZrC-RMGIC, 58.60 MPa for ZrC-ZPC, and 68.64 MPa for ZrC-RC. Peak stresses on the tooth surface were 22.60, 23.27, 22.98, and 22.37 MPa, while cement layer stresses were 18.23, 11.52, 13.11, and 22.36 MPa, respectively. Conclusions: The type of luting cement influenced stress levels and distributions within the crown, cement layer, and tooth structure in both SSC and ZrC models.

Finite element analysis; Luting cement; Mixed dentition; Prefabricated pediatric crown; Stainless steel crown

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