Publication

Abstract : Background/Objectives: Dental implants are an established modality for oral rehabilitation, but their biomechanical success depends on controlling peri-implant strain, which is influenced by implant angulation, splinting, and length. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of these variables on strain and displacement under axial and oblique loading using digital image correlation (DIC). Methods: Three CBCT-derived mandibular models were 3D-printed and restored with screw-retained full-metal crowns. Group 1 compared parallel vs. angulated implants; Group 2 assessed splinted vs. non-splinted restorations; and Group 3 compared short (4.2 × 6.25 mm) vs. long (4.2 × 13 mm) implants. All specimens were loaded to 500 N at 0°, 15°, and 30° using a universal testing machine. Strain and displacement were analyzed with Istra 4D software and statistically evaluated using ANOVA and independent t-tests (α = 0.05). Results: Parallel implants exhibited progressively higher strain with load angle, peaking at 30° (p < 0.01), while angulated implants recorded their highest strain at 0° (p = 0.008), indicating better adaptation to oblique forces. Splinted restorations significantly reduced strain at 0° and 30° (p = 0.023) and lowered displacement across all inclinations (p = 0.0001). Short implants consistently produced greater strain and displacement than long implants (p < 0.02). Conclusions: Angulated implants mitigated strain under off-axis loading compared to parallel configurations. Splinting decreased strain and displacement, while longer implants consistently improved biomechanical performance. Optimal selection of implant orientation, splinting, and length may minimize peri-implant strain under functional loads. Findings are limited to in vitro conditions with static loading and a single implant system.