Strain on the framework of a mandibular free-end saddle partial denture under load Paper presented at 44th General Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, March 25, 1966, Miami, Florida.

Abstract

Strains were determined in a typical mandibular partial denture metal framework of the free-end saddle type. The overall strain patterns were determined using a brittle lacquer coating technique and loads were applied vertically to positions on the saddles. The results from the coating study indicated the area of high strain were just anterior and posterior to the finishing lines. Strain gages were attached to positions anterior and posterior to the finishing lines and the strain was measured at these positions when the saddles were loaded either at a posterior or anterior position at intervals of 2 lb up to 20 lb. When a static load of 20 lb was applied to the posterior of the left saddle a strain of 750 Μ in./in. was obtained, which for the alloy used was equivalent to a stress of 22,200 lb/in. 2 . The amount of strain observed was a function of the length of the saddle, the bulk of the framework, the relation of the site of the gage to the position of loading, the presence of an indirect retainer, and the position of the fulcrum for the loading conditions used.