title: Implant-supported laser-welded titanium and conventional cast frameworks in the partially edentulous law: a 5-year prospective multicenter study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated and compared the clinical performance of laser-welded titanium fixed partial implant-supported prostheses with that of conventional cast frameworks in the partially edentulous jaw.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two patients provided with Brånemark system implants were arranged into two groups. Twenty-one patients (group A) were provided with a conventional cast ceramometal framework in one side of the jaw and a laser-welded titanium framework with low-fusing porcelain in the other side. In group B, 21 patients received a titanium framework prosthesis to replace a conventional implant prosthesis. Clinical and radiographic data were collected for 5 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four implants and one titanium framework were lost during the follow-up period. The two framework designs did not show any significant differences with regard to implant or prosthesis survival (P > .05). Few clinical complications were observed. In group A, marginal bone loss after 5 years was similar for both prosthesis designs, with an average of 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Basically, no bone loss was observed on average in group B. Furthermore, no significant relationship was observed between marginal bone loss and placement of prosthesis margin or prosthesis design.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Except for an insignificant tendency toward a slightly higher incidence of small chips of porcelain veneers, laser-welded titanium frameworks presented an overall similar clinical performance as conventional cast frameworks in partial implant situations after 5 years.
authors.affiliation: The Brånemark Clinic, Public Dental Health, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jemt
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindén
authors.forename: Ignace
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Naert
authors.forename: Heiner
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Inger
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wendelhag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000145:classification; D003734:Dental Casting Investment / Q000737:chemistry; D003735:Dental Casting Technique; D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D012994:Dental Soldering; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003734:Dental Casting Investment; D015921:Dental Implants; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D014025:Titanium