Optimal Design of Interface Geometry of Pocelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Dental Crown – an Experimental Study

In conventional crown structure, the crowns are bonded to the bottom layer with a cement layer. The major clinical failure mode is the subsurface radial crack at the interface between the crown and cement. This failure is caused largely by the tensile stress concentration/singularity in the dental ceramic at that interface. A sharp change in the structure geometry or/and mismatch in material properties at interfacial boundary is the source for such stress concentration/singularity. In a previous MITACS internship project, optimal design of interface geometry involved in the PFM dental crown has been suggested based on results obtained from analytical and finite element numerical methods. In the current project, experimental study will be carried out to verify or modify the conclusions obtained from the theoretical studies. Successful completion of the proposed research will bring more reliable design for the man-made tooth structures including both selecting matching materials and the improvement on the interface geometries in the man-made teeth. The partner which is a renowned organization for dental restoration in Alberta will get benefits from this research in improving the current technology and making more reliable and longer life man-made teeth for patients. The contributions from the research will also be beneficial to Canadian dentistry science and relevant industries.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Zihui Xia

Student:

Mohammad Al-Amin Khan Chowdhuri

Partner:

Universal Dental laboratories Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Alberta