The base fit between a removable partial denture (RPD) and the underlying soft tissue plays a significant role in its performance. The application of a denture adhesive is hypothesized to result in better retention of RPDs and, as a result, contribute to lower stress on the oral mucosa. The objectives of this study were to observe and compare the distribution of simulated bite forces applied to the RPD through the abutments and soft tissue for models with and without the use of a denture adhesive. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible benefit of using a denture adhesive in lowering stresses on the oral mucosa. The RPD, mandible, oral mucosa, abutment teeth supporting the RPD, and the corresponding abutment periodontal ligaments (PDLs) were modelled as 3D volumes based on computer tomography (CT) datasets. A viscoelastic adhesive layer between the RPD and oral mucosa was incorporated into this base model using Prony series approximation. The layer was developed as a volume extract using the denture surface. Finite element (FE) simulations were performed for the bite force on one of the RPD segments, with the resulting force and moments experienced by the dental structures and oral mucosa compared between the model with the adhesive layer and the base model without. As a result, the contact pressure on the oral mucosa for the model with the denture adhesive decreased to 0.15 MPa as compared to 0.25 MPa for the model without the adhesive. The potential role of denture adhesives in leading to a better fit between the RPD and oral mucosa as well as lowering contact pressures could be used to improve comfort in patients wearing RPDs.

中文翻译：

---

乳膏对义齿和口腔黏膜应力状态影响的有限元评估

可摘局部义齿（RPD）与下面的软组织之间的基础配合在其性能中起着重要作用。据推测，使用义齿粘合剂可更好地保留RPD，从而有助于降低口腔粘膜上的压力。这项研究的目的是观察和比较使用和不使用义齿粘合剂的模型通过基台和软组织施加到RPD上的模拟咬合力的分布。此外，我们评估了使用义齿粘合剂降低口腔粘膜应力的可能益处。根据计算机断层扫描（CT）数据集，将RPD，下颌骨，口腔粘膜，支持RPD的基牙和相应的基牙牙周膜（PDL）建模为3D体积。使用Prony级数逼近，将RPD和口腔粘膜之间的粘弹性粘合剂层合并到此基本模型中。使用义齿表面将该层显影为体积提取物。对RPD区段之一上的咬合力进行了有限元（FE）模拟，比较了带有粘合剂层的模型和没有粘结层的模型之间的牙齿结构和口腔粘膜所经历的合力和力矩。结果，与不具有粘合剂的模型的情况相比，具有假牙粘合剂的模型在口腔粘膜上的接触压力降低至0.15MPa。义齿粘合剂在导致RPD与口腔粘膜之间更好贴合以及降低接触压力方面的潜在作用可用于改善佩戴RPD的患者的舒适度。