Analyzing strain in samples with all-ceramic systems using the digital image correlation technique

Introduction/Objective. The study was conducted to identify the maximum strain generated in the samples composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate, StraumannR implants, and three types of ceramic systems. Methods. Three types of experimental models were used, loaded by external load of 100 N, 300 N, and 500 N and analyzed using the digital image correlation method. The models were composed of yttriastabilized zirconia, e.max lithium disilicate, and Vita EnamicR hybrid ceramics, placed on the StraumannR cylindrical dental implant systems (4 ? 10 mm) with straight abutments. Results. Significant differences in strain values between samples with different crown material groups were detected (p = 0.000). This suggests that strain values were dependent on the type of crown material. Strain values were also affected by the region of interest (p = 0.000). Application of two-way ANOVA enabled testing of the interaction effect between two independent variables, crown material and region of interest, where a significant difference was also found (p = 0.046). This indicates that strain values were also influenced by different combinations of material type and region of interest. The highest strain values were found for Z (0.383 ? 0.015) in the apical region, and the lowest for E (0.303 ? 0.015) in the middle region. Conclusion. The study shows maximum strain in the apical and marginal directions. When considered various all-ceramics, we noticed the minimum strain below Vita EnamicsR, while the maximum strain was found in samples with yttria-stabilized zirconia crown.