International Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry · Published 2026-03-19 · DOI 10.5005/jp-journals-10019-1527
Purpose: The purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) was to investigate the stress distribution and pain perception in complete dentures with different silicone soft denture liner (SSDL) thicknesses on sharp ridges. Materials and methods: Clinical replications of mandibular complete dentures (CDs) with a sharp ridge via cone beam computed tomography were designed. The models included: one CD without SSDL, one CD with 2 mm SSDL, one CD with 3 mm SSDL, and one CD with 4 mm SSDL. The load of 100 N was applied at the regions with the highest chewing forces (first premolar, second premolar, and first molar) in the axial direction and in the oblique direction with a 100 N load using ANSYS software. FEA was used to evaluate stress distribution. Pain perception was assessed by ratioing the stress distribution relative to the average pressure–pain threshold (PPT) value in mandible, i.e., 0.630 MPa. Stress distribution was visualized and evaluated as von Mises stress (in MPa). Results: Mandibular CDs with SSDL provided more uniform stress distribution compared to those without liners. Under axial load, CDs with SSDL demonstrated maximum stress values (0.501 MPa) values below the threshold. However, under oblique load, SSDL with 3 mm (0.660 MPa) and 4 mm (0.791 MPa) thicknesses showed stress values exceeding the PPT of 0.630 MPa. Under axial loading, the highest stress was concentrated in the anterior region, while under oblique loading, it was in the posterior region. Oblique forces, in contrast, align with the cuspal inclination of the posterior teeth, concentrating stress in the posterior region. Conclusion: In sharp-edged ridges, CDs without SSDL showed high stress concentrations in both axial and oblique loads exceeding the PPT of 0.630 MPa. In contrast, a 2 mm thick SSDL significantly reduced stress concentrations, kept them below the PPT, and can help in preventing pain in a clinical scenario.
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