Comparative Evaluation of Marginal Accuracy of a Cast Fixed Partial Denture Compared to Soldered Fixed Partial Denture Made of Two Different Base Metal Alloys and Casting Techniques: An In vitro Study

Systematic review and meta-analysis of welding procedures in one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of welding techniques on implant-supported prostheses and determine whether they contribute to a better adaptation compared with a one-piece cast. A search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and articles published until November 2017 were obtained from these databases. This review followed the PRISMA criteria and is registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42017081865). The PICO question was "Do welding procedures in one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks influence implant/abutment-framework marginal misfits?" Eleven studies were selected for a qualitative analysis, and seven studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. A total of 189 specimens were fabricated using different materials (cp-Ti, Ni-Cr, Cr-Co, and noble alloys), and welding techniques such as laser welding, conventional welding, tungsten inert gas, and brazing were applied. A vertical marginal misfit was measured using an optical microscope, a stereomicroscope, and/or a scanning electron microscopy. The qualitative analysis in the studies demonstrated a positive effect of the welding techniques on the adaptation of the infrastructures. The meta-analysis confirmed the results (p < 0.00001; MD: -36.14; 95%CI: -48.69 to -23.59). Within the limitations of this study and regarding the heterogeneity of the samples, we conclude that the soldering point technique is effective for obtaining relatively low values of marginal misfit, with laser welding as the most effective technique. However, additional studies were recommended due to the heterogeneity of different variables (alloys, connection, and misfit evaluation) in the included studies.

Vertical and Horizontal Misfit Analysis of 3-unit FDP Fabricated with Different Techniques and CAD/CAM Systems

The aim of this is was evaluate the vertical and horizontal marginal adaptation of 3-unit fixed partial denture frameworks fabricated using different techniques and CAD/CAM systems. A total of 40 framework specimens were fabricated and divided into four groups as follows: lost-wax casting (G1); lost-wax casting with welding (G2); extraoral optical scanning of models (3S/DWOS) (G3); intraoral optical scanning (Cerec Bluecam/Sirona) (G4). A reference model was used to simulate a fixed partial denture with three elements (with a central pontic). The frameworks of G1 and G2 were cast in nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloy, whereas those of G3 and G4 were milled in zirconia. In all groups, vertical and horizontal marginal adaptation (over-contour and under-contour) was evaluated using a three-dimensional optical microscope (Quick Scope, Mitutoyo). The results showed higher vertical marginal misfit in G1 than in the other groups (p<0.001). Regarding horizontal marginal misfit, higher over-contour values occurred in G3 than in the other groups (p<0.001). G3 did not show under-contour at all, whereas the other groups did not differ from each other in this regard (p>0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that lost-wax casting with welding is a viable alternative to the use of CAD/CAM systems to fabricate frameworks of three-unit FPDs, since the techniques yielded similar vertical misfit values. Extra-oral CAD/CAM systems showed the highest horizontal misfit (over-contour) compared to other groups.

Clinical importance of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation: a review

The mandible has a property to flex inwards around the mandibular symphysis with change in shape and decrease in mandibular arch width during opening and protrusion of the mandible. The mandibular deformation may range from a few micrometres to more than 1 mm. The movement occurs because of the contraction of lateral pterygoid muscles that pulls mandibular condyles medially and causes a sagittal movement of the posterior segments. This movement of mandible can have a profound influence on prognosis and treatment outcome for various restorative, endodontics, fixed, removable and implant-related prosthesis. The review unfolds the causes, importance and clinical implications of median mandibular flexure in oral rehabilitation. This review also highlights the appropriate preventive measures and techniques that should be adopted by clinicians to minimise the effect of flexural movement of the jaw during oral rehabilitation. This would not only help clinicians to achieve a good prosthesis with accurate fit and longevity but also maintain the health of the surrounding periodontal or periimplant gingival tissues and bone.