Background/Aim. Different types of dental restorations are used for the
therapy of unilateral free-end saddle edentulism. Unilateral complex partial
denture is one of the indications for the Kennedy class II partial
edentulism. The abscence of major connector and denture plate is an
advantage compared to the conventional restorations, because of better
comfort and shorter period of adaptation. The aim of the study was to
analyse the influence of free-end saddle length change on the behaviour of
unilateral complex partial denture supporting structures. Methods. Stress
levels of the canine and the first premolar as retentional teeth and the
attachments were tested under the influence of physiological forces with the
loading point shifting distally in relation to the saddle length change. A
virtual real size 3D model of the fixed part of the restoration (the canine
and the first premolar with milled crowns) was created using the CATIA
computer program. It was connected to the mobile part of partial denture
with the SD snap in latch attachment. Mobile part of the restoration was
designed in the region of 2, 3 and 4 lateral teeth (second premolar, first,
second and third molar). By using the finite element method (FEM) stress
levels analysis was performed under the load of physiological forces of 150
N in the free-end saddle teeth zone. Results. The results of analysis show
that physiological forces cause a different stress distribution on the
abutment teeth and the attachment, depending on the saddle length.
Conclusion. The stress level values obtained for the abutment teeth as well
as the attachment are far lower than the marginal ones. The behaviour of the
system changes under this defined stress, but no plastic deformation occurs.