A New Volumetric Parameter for a Comparative Finite-Element Analysis of a Six- or Four-Implant Mandibular Total-Arch Rehabilitation

In a full-arch implant rehabilitation ad modum Branemark, the distribution of stress and strain in mandibular bone is influenced by the type, number and position of implants used. In particular, the biomechanical behaviour of the bone structure after complete osseointegration depends on the load transferred to the bone by each fixture. In this study, a finite-element analysis of two models was performed. Models of an all-on-four configuration and a six-implant configuration were com- pared in a worst-case scenario. A new V parameter is presented to aid the quantitative and com- parative analysis of the all-on-four and six-implant configurations. The influence of orthotropy was also investigated, and a geometric change in the all-on-four configuration is presented.