Influence of crown margin design on the stress distribution in maxillary canine restored by all-ceramic crown: a finite element analysis

Purpose: To investigate the infl uence of crown margin design on the stress distribution and to localize critical sites in maxillary canine under functional loading by using three dimensional fi nite element analysis. Materials and Methods: The bite force of 100 N, 150 N, and 200 N was applied with an angulation of 45° to the longitudinal axis of tooth. Six models were restored with IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) with a different margin design. With lingual ledge and various thicknesses, three different core ceramics were designed in each model. Result: In the core ceramic, the maximum tensile stresses were at the labiocervical region. In the veneering ceramic the maximum tensile stresses were at the area where the force was applied in all models. Conclusion: Shoulder and chamfer margin types are acceptable for all-ceramic rehabilitations. A ledge on the core ceramic at cervical region may affect the strength of all-ceramic crowns.