Marginal fit of nickel-chromium copings before and after internal adjustments with duplicated stone dies and disclosing agent.
BACKGROUND
Despite careful procedures, master stone dies may be damaged during laboratory procedures. The dentist routinely adjusts castings because the marginal fit of casting is not as accurate as on the dies.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the technique of internal adjustment of castings with use of duplicated stone dies and a disclosing agent to improve marginal fit discrepancy.


METHODS
Thirty-two nickel-chromium copings were fabricated and simulated standard clinical and laboratory procedures with 2 variables: tooth preparation convergence angles of 6 and 18 degrees, with or without internal relief. Master stone dies and their duplicates were selected for coping construction and internal adjustment, respectively. A specimen positioning device was coupled with a Toolmakers microscope to allow reproducibility of measurements. Each coping was evaluated at 8 locations of its marginal perimeter, before and after internal adjustment.


RESULTS
Marginal fit discrepancy of copings were significantly reduced with an internal adjustment technique (mean > 52%) for all experimental groups. Tooth preparations with greater convergence and internally relieved castings recorded a better marginal fit.


CONCLUSIONS
The casting internal adjustment technique with use of duplicated stone dies and a disclosing agent substantially reduced marginal fit discrepancy.
Ushiwata
O
O
University of the State of São Paulo, São José dos Campos School of Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil. oushiwata@terra.com.br
de Moraes
J V
JV
Bottino
M A
MA
da Silva
E G
EG
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002133:Calcium Sulfate; D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003442:Crowns / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000044:Dental Abutments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003735:Dental Casting Technique / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003761:Dental Impression Technique / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D003765:Models, Dental
D002858:Chromium Alloys; D004396:Coloring Agents; D002133:Calcium Sulfate