Effect of Axial Bruxism Bite Force on Titanium Alloys Biomaterials Experimental Chewing Test and 3D Finite Element Simulation

Bruxism can be defined as the process of direct contact with teeth and dental materials with an involuntary jaw-tightening movement. In this process, teeth and dental materials can be exposed to various damage mechanisms. This study aims to analyze the wear behavior of cp-Ti, Ti-5Zr, and Ti-5Ta alloys, which are frequently preferred as dental materials in the human body, under different Bruxism wear processes by experimental in vitro chewing cycle and finite element analysis simulation method. Cp-Ti and titanium alloy test specimens with cylindrical geometry were exposed to a direct every-contact wear mechanism for 30 seconds under 100N bruxism chewing bite force. The bruxism chewing cycle continued for 300 minutes at a frequency of 1.8 Hz. Microanalysis of the wear surfaces of the samples after the experimental study was carried out with Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM). The Bruxism wear volume loss that occurred in the wear area of the test specimens was measured with a 3D non-contact profilometer. The results obtained within the scope of this study showed that the Bruxism wear resistance increased by adding zirconium and tantalum to pure titanium material. In axial Bruxism bite forces, the least wear volume loss occurred at 90° bite forces chewing process. However, in the Finite Element Analysis simulation, it was observed that the maximum stress area was evident in the implant structure at 75° bite force chewing process. This will make it difficult for the implant to osseointegration within the body and will cause various damage mechanisms to the integrity of the implant.