Mechanical properties of cracked teeth with different dental materials and crown parameters: An in vitro proof-of-concept.

OBJECTIVE: This work analyzed and compared the mechanical properties of identical cracked tooth models treated with different materials and crown parameters. Thus, to provide dentists with a more structured way to select materials and geometric parameters and determine the strongest restoration model for cracked teeth. METHODS: This work used finite element analysis (FEA). We applied 25 restorative models, including five restorative materials, and three preparation parameters. Seven mechanical properties of the cracked tooth preparation were analyzed using correlation analysis. RESULTS: The highest lifetime of the cracked preparation was obtained for crowns with a 5 degrees of polymerization, width = 0.8 mm, and a length offset of 0.2 mm. The highest lifetime was obtained with ZC crown material, but the least deformation of the cracked tip was obtained with LU material. SIGNIFICANCE: The results showed that the larger MOE material for the crown and a reasonable increase in the thickness and length of the crown is a favorable method to prevent further cracks to extend. This FEA study, thereby forming a novel basis for clinical guidance as to preparation of dental crowns applicable to cracked teeth.