Machined and plastic copings in three-element prostheses with different types of implantabutment joints: a strain gauge comparative analysis

OBJECTIVE: Using strain gauge (SG) analysis, the aim of this in vitro study was quantify the strain development during the fixation of three-unit screw implant-supported fixed partial dentures, varying the types of implant-abutment joints and the type of prosthetic coping. The hypotheses were that the type of hexagonal connection would generate different microstrains and the type of copings would produce similar microstrains after prosthetic screws had been tightened onto microunit abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dental implants with external (EH) and internal (IH) hexagonal configurat...