3D-optical measurement of implant biomechanics

Background

Biomechanics plays a decisive role in the long-term success of dental implants. Previous work has shown that biomechanical processes can be visualized using a 3D optical measuring system (ARAMIS, GOM GmbH) as part of a comparison with strain gauges.

Aim/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a first comparison of different materials of implant-supported bridges and their influence on the surface deformation of the bone under chewing force is possible with the new system.

Material and Methods

Two implants were placed in an artificial bone block and restored with bridges made of different materials (base metal, polyether ether ketone, ceramics) in successive test series. A power machine simulated an increasing purchasing power of 50, 100, 150 and 200kN and measurements of the surface changes of the artificial bone for each material was performed. This was achieved on the one hand by a strain gauge and on the other hand by the use of the innovative, computer-aided and optical 3D measuring system ARAMIS. Parallel to the strain gauges, two virtual extensometers (virtual strain gauges) were created using ARAMIS software and were integrated into the images of the ARAMIS system. By using the ARAMIS software, the lengths of the extensometers were able to be detected at any time of each test series. The mean change in length of these extensometers was compared with the change in length of the strain gauge as a reference.

Results

It was shown that the mean value of the change in length of the two virtual extensometers were almost congruent with those of the corresponding strain gauge. Thus, the system was basically suitable for the intended investigation.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

1. Complex biomechanical processes can be examined with high precision on the basis of the new measuring method. 2. The system also allows the evaluation of biomechanical processes at a previously unattainable speed with a larger amount of data at the same time. 3. An exactly congruent course of the measured values is not yet possible, since the positioning of the virtual extensometers is still limited. The aim of further work will be to align the extensometers exactly with the strain gauge.