Papers by Author: Cristina Bortun

Abstract: Total dentures are made of acrylic resins and artificial teeth. Among the prevalent fracture types of the dentures, 29% was a mid-line fracture, in which 68% were observed in maxillary complete dentures and 28% in mandibular complete dentures. Due to the large number of failures recorded on the maxillary dentures, several studies were conducted to establish the causes that produce these failures but also to find solutions for their prevention. One source of information about the strength of a maxillary denture under the applied load, is represented by the establishment of the stress and strain state during the loading. Different methods have been used for investigating the strain or stress distribution during deformation of dentures. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the stress and strain state of a maxillary denture loaded in compression until the final fracture. For this study, electrical resistance strain gage were used for evaluation the strain and stress distribution in the maxillary denture made of different acrylic resins. Based on observations from practice, the strain gages were applied on the middle line of the denture at the base of the incisors and respectively on the sides of the denture, under molars. The dentures were loaded until failure and were registered the strains in the located strain gages. Also, for each type of acrylic resin were determined separately the mechanical properties of elasticity and strength. Based on the tests conducted were determined the critical stress and strain in the areas of interest. In all the tests carried out the fracture occurred in the median area of the denture and the crack was initiated between the incisor teeth. The stress and strain field associated with the crack initiation mode showed a strong influence of geometry on the fracture strength of denture. Also the type of acrylic resin has a significant effect on the fracture strength of complete denture either by strength capacity but especially by their ability to elasticity. Based on this analysis have been established new criteria for selection of acrylic resins, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for elasticity and strength reasons.

Abstract: The complete dentures are realized by different acrylic resins and different technologies. These materials are fragile and frequently appear crack and fractures of these dentures. Also, theses materials as well as the technologies of performing these dentures are expensive. In order to avoid the ultimate failure of the complete dentures, for each case there is necessary a numerical simulation as a preliminary stage before the effective performance of the denture. In order to realize the numerical simulation of the complete denture there is necessary to know the mechanical and elastic properties of the acrylic resins. This paper presents the results of experimental investigations performed in order to determine the mechanical and elastic properties of complete denture materials. A 3D laser scanner was used for the elaboration of the geometrical model of the complete dentures. In this way, using the reverse engineering technology there was realized a very accurate geometrical model. Finite element analysis was used to estimate the durability of the same complete dentures. The calculation model was finally validated by a fatigue experimental test.

Abstract: The welded joints are used in the technology of the removable partial dentures for the rehabilitation of their metal component. The welding procedure and the adequate equipment are established according to the components dimension, the quality of the alloys used and the dentures section. The modifications within the welded structures can be investigated by means of non-destructive tests such as the radiography or the analysis with finite elements. The work was based on the experimental checking of the optimal procedures of welded joint of the alloys of CoCrMo in order to increase their durability. The welded joints were performed in a butt joint configuration with addition of material on the alloys of CoCrMo used in the technology of the framed dentures. The finite elements method was used (software Solid works 2007) in order to simulate the welding process (thermal analysis) and to assess the residual stress areas appeared after the various welding procedures.