Fit of implant frameworks fabricated by different techniques.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the precision of fit between an implant framework and a patient simulation model that consisted of five implant abutments located in the mandibular symphysis area. One-piece cast frameworks were compared with Procera machined and laser-welded frameworks with laser videography.


METHODS
Five frameworks of each type were measured with a laser digitizer and a graphics computer program to determine a single point represented as the "Centroid" for each framework component and each implant abutment. Differences between the paired centroids for each framework/abutment interface are reported as x- and y-axis displacements, and z-axis gaps. The direction of the x- and y-axis displacements was determined.


RESULTS
There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the precision of fit between both the one-piece cast frameworks and the Procera frameworks, when compared with the abutments in the patient simulation model. The laser-welded framework exhibited a more precise fit than the one-piece casting, with significant differences at four of the five prosthodontic interfaces, when evaluated by the mean z-axis gap at the centroid points.
Riedy
S J
SJ
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Lang
B R
BR
Lang
B E
BE
D003196:Computer Graphics; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003735:Dental Casting Technique; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D012994:Dental Soldering; D003819:Denture Bases; D003779:Denture Design / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous; D007754:Laboratories, Dental; D007834:Lasers; D008334:Mandible; D003765:Models, Dental; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium; D014741:Video Recording
D015921:Dental Implants; D014025:Titanium