[Influence of different spacer thickness and spacer coverage area on the adaptation of Cercon CAD/CAM copings].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of Cercon CAD/CAM system and the influence of different spacer thickness and spacer coverage area on the internal and marginal fit of the copings. METHODS: A stainless steel master model of first molar was replicated. After scanning, designs of copings were made with different spacer thickness and spacer coverage area. There were six groups: S10C70, S10C90, S30C70, S30C90, S60C70, S60C90. Measurements of the adaptation were performed with silicone impression material and an image analysis system. RESULTS: Univariate ANOVA showed that variation in the internal fit of copings was related to measuring location, spacer thickness and spacer coverage area. There was significant difference between different spacer coverage area groups, and significant difference between spacer thickness 10 microm and 30 microm groups, 10 microm and 60 microm groups, no significant difference between spacer thickness 30 microm and 60 microm groups. Mean marginal fit was (27.7+/-7.6) microm. There was statistically significant difference between both mesial, distal marginal gaps and both buccal, lingual marginal gaps. No difference between mesial and distal marginal gaps, and between buccal and lingual marginal gaps. CONCLUSION: The accuracy by Cercon CAD/CAM system for the marginal and internal fit of zirconium dioxide copings is well within the range of clinical acceptability. Spacer thickness and spacer coverage area have statistically significant influence on the internal fit.

Accuracy of temporary laser welding of FPDs by Nd:YAG laser in the oral cavity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of temporary fixation with laser welding for fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Five kinds of experimental FPD with different welding/soldering gaps were fabricated (0, 20, 50 microm for welding; 300 microm for soldering). Then, FPDs were temporary-fixed by laser welding or with a self-curing resin. Fixation accuracy was evaluated by the change in distance and the angular deformation between two retainers. The change in distance and the angular deformation between two retainers of the FPD without welding/soldering gap were significantly larger than the other FPDs (p<0.05). With due consideration to the displacement of teeth or implants especially in the mesiodistal direction, and by taking into account the inevitable errors of the indirect method, it seemed reasonable to provide a welding space of approximately 20 microm.