Stress analysis on a PEEK and titanium bar over implants—study with meshless methods

Hybrid dentures, consisting of fixed prostheses on implant-supported infrastructures (bars), are an excellent option for oral rehabilitation, especially in extensive tooth loss. The material used for the manufacturing of the bar structure is of fundamental importance, as it influences the structural response and stress distribution during masticatory function. Numerical analysis allows an approximation of the mechanical behavior of oral prostheses and adjacent structures. Using two numerical analysis methods, the finite element analysis and meshless methods (RPIM and NNRPIM), this study aims at analyzing the structural response of two implant-supported bars (without cantilever and with cantilever of 12mm) on 4 dental implants in the mandibular region, made of titanium, PEEK and 30% CFR-PEEK. This investigation concluded that titanium has better structural performance, followed by CFR-PEEK and PEEK. Our data also suggest that both numerical analyses provided similar results and conclusions.