Biomechanical impact of anterior cantilever length on subperiosteal implants with different materials and configurations

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anterior cantilever length on stress distribution in subperiosteal implants (SI) fabricated from titanium and 60% carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with one‐piece and two‐piece configurations using finite element analysis. Materials and Methods Sixteen three‐dimensional finite element models of an atrophic maxilla were constructed, incorporating one‐piece and two‐piece SI designs fabricated from titanium and 60% carbon fiber‐reinforced PEEK with anterior cantilever lengths of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm. All materials were assumed isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. A 100 N oblique load at 45° was applied to the palatal region of the maxillary anterior teeth in a labio‐apical direction to simulate anterior functional loading. Maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress, and von Mises stress were evaluated in the supporting bone, implant body, fixation screws, and prosthetic bar. Results Maximum and minimum principal stress values in the supporting bone progressively increased with cantilever length, with minimal material‐related differences. Fixation screw von Mises stress values increased with cantilever length and were consistently higher in one‐piece than in two‐piece designs. Prosthetic bar von Mises stress values peaked at 2 mm. Subperiosteal implant von Mises stress values increased with cantilever length and were substantially higher in two‐piece designs than in one‐piece designs. Conclusions Anterior cantilever length influences stress distribution in subperiosteal implant‐supported prostheses, with stress magnitudes increasing proportionally to cantilever extension regardless of material or configuration.