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Fixed partial dentures supported by implants are useful treatment options in treating partial edentulism, and have proven clinical reliability. These partial dentures are subjected to varied occlusal loads resulting in movement or deflection of fixed partial dentures in all three planes i.e. vertical, horizontal and sagittal. The periodontal ligament and other supporting structures govern the movements of the partial dentures supported by natural abutments. When partial dentures are supported by osseointegrated implants, the movement depends on the modulus of elasticity of bone. In case when they are supported by a combination of implant and teeth then deflection seen is a result of the compressibility of the periodontal ligament and the modulus of elasticity of bone put together.Many studies account for the stress distribution in fixed partial dentures supported by implants, but few documented evidence is present for the deflection seen in fixed partial dentures supported by teeth, implants and their combination. This study is modeled to determine and compare the deflection seen in fixed partial dentures supported by implants, teeth and their combination.

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Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, , King Khalid University, P.O.Box:3263, Abha-61471, Saudi Arabia. mansoor_shariff@hotmail.com BDS,Bapuji Dental College and Hospital,Davangere(1999), MDS,Prosthodontics from M R Ambedkar Dental College, Bangalore in 2006.

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