Preceramic and postceramic solder joints

Soldering in Dentistry: An Updated Technical Review

INTRODUCTION

The need to permanently join two or more pieces of metal using heat is a frequent condition in various fields of medicine such as dentistry. Welding, brazing and soldering are permanent joining techniques between different metals that require in-depth background knowledge in order to obtain predictable results.

AIM

This review examines the different methods of joining metals using heat and their fields of application.

DISCUSSION

It is possible to create permanent metal joints in various phases of the creation of final products that will be used on the patient. In several cases, welds are also made directly by the manufacturer during industrial processing. In dentistry, dental laboratories perform complex welds mainly on dental prostheses and orthodontic appliances during the production process. It is also possible to obtain intraoral welding carried out by the clinician inside the patient's oral cavity. Welding can be carried out using combustible gases, electric current, infrared light and laser light through different technical procedures which must be chosen according to the specific needs and the metals to be joined.

CONCLUSIONS

It is useful for the dentist and dental technician to know the different welding methods, including those carried out in the factory by the manufacturer, to better understand the physical properties and mechanical resistance of the components marketed for the construction of prostheses and orthodontic appliances. The enormous variety of conditions in which those who practice welding can find themselves therefore presupposes in-depth knowledge in this field in order to apply the most suitable technique.

Effects of soldering methods on tensile strength of a gold-palladium metal ceramic alloy

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The tensile strength obtained by conventional postceramic application soldering and laser postceramic welding may require more energy than microwave postceramic soldering, which could provide similar tensile strength values.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to compare the tensile strength obtained by microwave postceramic soldering, conventional postceramic soldering, and laser postceramic welding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A gold-palladium metal ceramic alloy and gold-based solder were used in this study. Twenty-seven wax specimens were cast in gold-palladium noble metal and divided into 4 groups: laser welding with a specific postfiller noble metal, microwave soldering with a postceramic solder, conventional soldering with the same postceramic solder used in the microwave soldering group, and a nonsectioned control group. All the specimens were heat treated to simulate a normal porcelain sintering sequence. An Instron Universal Testing Machine was used to measure the tensile strength for the 4 groups. The means were analyzed statistically with 1-way ANOVA. The surface and fracture sites of the specimens were subjectively evaluated for fracture type and porosities by using a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) ultimate tensile strength values were as follows: nonsectioned control 818 ±30 MPa, microwave 516 ±34 MPa, conventional 454 ±37 MPa, and laser weld 191 ±39 MPa. A 1-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in ultimate tensile strength among the groups (F3,23=334.5; P<.001). Follow-up multiple comparisons showed a significant difference among all the groups. Microwave soldering resulted in a higher tensile strength for gold and palladium noble metals than either conventional soldering or laser welding.

CONCLUSION

Conventional soldering resulted in a higher tensile strength than laser welding. Under the experimental conditions described, either microwave or conventional postceramic soldering would appear to satisfy clinical requirements related to tensile strength.

Strength properties of preceramic brazed joints of a gold-palladium alloy with a microwave-assisted oven and gas/oxygen torch technique

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The effect of microwave brazing on the strength properties of dental casting alloys is not yet known.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the strength properties of preceramic brazed joints obtained by using a microwave oven and a conventional torch flame for a high noble alloy (Au-Pd).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 18 tensile bars made of an Au-Pd ceramic alloy were fabricated. Six specimens were cut and joined with a high-fusing preceramic solder in a specially designed microwave oven, and 6 specimens were joined with a conventional natural gas/oxygen torch. The remaining 6 uncut specimens were tested as a control. All the specimens were subjected to testing with a universal testing machine. A 1-way ANOVA was performed for each strength property tested.

RESULTS

The tensile strength of the uncut group was the highest (745 ±19 MPa), followed by the microwave group (420 ±68 MPa) and the conventional torch group (348 ±103 MPa) (P<.001); however, no significant difference in tensile strength was found between the microwave group and gas torch group. The tensile strength of the microwave group exceeded ANSI/ADA Standard No. 88, Dental Brazing Alloys (a joint standard of the American National Standards Institute and the American Dental Association).

CONCLUSIONS

The microwave heating preceramic solder method demonstrated the excellent tensile strength of an Au-Pd alloy and may be an alternative way of joining alloys when a torch flame is contraindicated.

Effect of soldering techniques and gap distance on tensile strength of soldered Ni-Cr alloy joint

PURPOSE

The present study was intended to evaluate the effect of soldering techniques with infrared ray and gas torch under different gap distances (0.3 mm and 0.5 mm) on the tensile strength and surface porosity formation in Ni-Cr base metal alloy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty five dumbbell shaped Ni-Cr alloy specimens were prepared and assigned to 5 groups according to the soldering method and the gap distance. For the soldering methods, gas torch (G group) and infrared ray (IR group) were compared and each group was subdivided by corresponding gap distance (0.3 mm: G3 and IR3, 0.5 mm: G5, IR5). Specimens of the experimental groups were sectioned in the middle with a diamond disk and embedded in solder blocks according to the predetermined distance. As a control group, 7 specimens were prepared without sectioning or soldering. After the soldering procedure, a tensile strength test was performed using universal testing machine at a crosshead speed 1 mm/min. The proportions of porosity on the fractured surface were calculated on the images acquired through the scanning electronic microscope.

RESULTS

Every specimen of G3, G5, IR3 and IR5 was fractured on the solder joint area. However, there was no significant difference between the test groups (P > .05). There was a negative correlation between porosity formation and tensile strength in all the specimens in the test groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength of joints and porosity formations between the gas-oxygen torch soldering and infrared ray soldering technique or between the gap distance of 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

Comparative tensile strengths of preceramic and postceramic solder connectors using high-palladium alloy

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is not known whether different high-palladium alloys of similar composition possess comparable tensile strength properties associated with connector soldering.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength properties of 2 high-palladium alloys on soldered connectors under simulated pre-ceramic and post-ceramic soldering conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty cylindrical castings were fabricated (Rx Naturelle Plus alloy and Option alloy). The 40 castings for each alloy were subdivided into 2 groups of 20 each. In the first group, castings for each alloy were randomly paired and soldered with presolder (SMG2) to produce 10 preceramic test connector specimens for each alloy. In the second group, castings were similarly paired and soldered with postsolder (490 fine) to produce 10 postceramic test connector specimens for each alloy. Each soldered connector was subjected to tensile force until failure in a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis using a Wilcoxon rank sums test was performed (alpha=.05)

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the mean tensile failure stress for Rx Naturelle Plus preceramic solder (344.7 +/- 77.6 MPa) compared to Option preceramic solder (411.5 +/- 112.8 MPa) (P =.1202). However, the mean tensile failure stress for Rx Naturelle Plus postceramic solder (260.8 +/- 223.7 MPa) was significantly lower than the Option postceramic solder (312.6 +/- 120.8 MPa) (P =.0407). Not only did Rx Naturelle Plus postceramic solder connectors show evidence of lower strength, but also an increased variation among specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Rx Naturelle Plus solder connectors provided better strength with the preceramic as opposed with the postceramic connectors. For postsolder connectors, Rx Naturelle Plus alloy had less acceptable strength and a wider variation, suggesting it is more technique sensitive than Option alloy connectors.

Marginal fit of metal ceramic restorations subjected to a standardized postsoldering technique

The fit of a fixed partial denture (FPD) is fundamental for the clinical success of a restoration. When a postsoldering procedure is needed, a high-precision laboratory technique is necessary to not affect the fit of the FPD. This article evaluates whether a standardized postsoldering technique affected the marginal fit of a 3-unit high palladium alloy FPD. One hundred and eight measurements were made of 3-unit FPDs, fabricated in a high palladium alloy (2% Au-79% Pd-10% Cu-8% Ga) and constructed on 9 tin dies in vitro. After the castings were fabricated, specimens were measured at 3 specific points per abutment (distal, labial, lingual) before and after soldering. Differences were found in the marginal opening of both copings, before soldering (49.9 microm) and after soldering (48. 3 microm). There was no significant difference in the adaptation of the copings after the soldering procedure (P<.05).

Distortion of three-unit implant frameworks during casting, soldering, and simulated porcelain firings

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess distortion inherent in casting, soldering, and simulated porcelain firings of screw-retained, implant-supported three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten wax patterns were fabricated on a die-stone cast containing two implants, 20 mm apart from center to center. Five specimens were cast in a high-palladium alloy, exposed to simulated porcelain firings, sectioned, and then soldered with low-fusing solder. Five specimens were cast, sectioned, soldered with high-fusing solder, and then exposed to simulated porcelain firings. For each specimen, two horizontal and six vertical distances between appropriately scribed reference points were measured with a traveling microscope. Comparisons were made among the various measurements taken after wax-pattern fabrication, casting, high- and low-fusing soldering, and each porcelain firing. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures factorial ANOVA (alpha = 0.05).

RESULTS

Significant difference was detected in the amount of horizontal distortion during casting (53 +/- 24 microns) and high-fusing soldering (-49 +/- 50 microns), as well as in the amount of horizontal distortion during high-fusing soldering (-49 +/- 50 microns) and low-fusing soldering (17 +/- 26 microns). However, no clinically significant difference was found in the amount of horizontal distortion during casting, low-fusing, and high-fusing soldering. The greatest amount of distortion during the simulated porcelain firings took place during the oxidizing cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Soldering did not improve the casting misfit of a three-unit implant-retained FPD model. Metal-ceramic implant frameworks should be oxidized before intraoral fit evaluation.

Effects of three soldering techniques on the strength of high-palladium alloy solder joints

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Little information is available on the optimum technique for soldering high-palladium alloys, which have gained considerable popularity for prosthodontic applications.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to compare the flexural stress at the proportional limit of four noble dental alloy specimens soldered with torch, oven, and infrared-techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The high-palladium alloys studied were Legacy XT (Jelenko), Freedom Plus (Jelenko), and IS 85 (Williams/Ivoclar). A gold-palladium alloy, Olympia (Jelenko), served as the control. Thirty round bars, 18 x 3 mm, were cast from each alloy, cut in half, aligned, and joined using Olympia Pre solder (Jelenko) for the gas-oxygen torch and the infrared technique and Alboro LF solder (Jelenko) for the oven technique. Each soldered bar was subjected to three-point bending, and the maximum elastic stress or strength of the solder joint was calculated at the proportional limit. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and the Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch (REGW) multiple range test at the 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between torch and oven-soldering, but both were significantly different from the infrared technique. ANOVA showed a significant difference between alloys, but this difference could not be detected with the REGW test. SEM examination of the fracture surfaces revealed grooves associated with the path of crack propagation. X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis failed to detect copper in the solders, and there were no significant changes in the solder compositions after the melting procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

All three techniques can yield satisfactory solder joints in high-palladium alloys. These joints should be well-polished to achieve optimal strength.

Effects of joint configuration for the arc welding of cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy rods in argon

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Titanium and its alloys are more commonly used in prosthodontics and welding has become the most common modality for their joining. Studies on the welding of titanium and its alloys have not quantified this value, though its importance has been suggested.

PURPOSE

This study compared the strength and properties of the joint achieved at various butt joint gaps by the arc-welding of cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy tensile bars in an argon atmosphere.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty of 50 specimens were sectioned and welded at four gaps. All specimens underwent tensile testing to determine ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation, then oxygen analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

As no more than 3 samples in any group of 10 actually fractured in the weld itself, a secondary analysis that involved fracture location was initiated. There were no differences in ultimate tensile strength or percentage elongation between specimens with weld gaps of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mm and the as-cast specimens. There were no differences in ultimate tensile strength between specimens fracturing in the weld and those fracturing in the gauge in welded specimens; however, as-cast specimens demonstrated a higher ultimate tensile strength than welded specimens that fractured in the weld. Specimens that fractured in the weld site demonstrated less ductility than those that fractured in the gauge in both welded and as-cast specimens, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy examination. The weld wire showed an oxygen scavenging effect from the as-cast parent alloy.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of the joint gap were not significant, whereas the characteristics of the joint itself were, which displayed slightly lower strength and significantly lower ductility (and thus decreased toughness). The arc-welding of cast titanium alloy in argon atmosphere appears to be a reliable and efficient prosthodontic laboratory modality producing predictable results, although titanium casting and joining procedures must be closely controlled to minimize heat effects and oxygen contamination.

Tensile strength of soldered gold alloy joints

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Little information is available about the mechanical properties of soldered gold alloys after they have undergone various heat treatments.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the influence of heat treating on the strength properties of soldered joints of two gold alloys (NC Type IV and Sofard), which can be age-hardened at intraoral temperature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dumbbell-shaped specimens were cast with each gold alloy and were cut at the center of the connecting bar for soldering. The two halves of the casting were then soldered with two different gold-based solders (Maingold and Degulor). Three different heat treatments were performed on the soldered gold alloy assemblies: solution heat treatment (ST) at 700 degrees C for 5 minutes (treatment A); aging at 37 degrees C for 7 days after ST (treatment B); and aging at 250 degrees C (Sofard) or 400 degrees C (NC type IV) for 15 minutes after ST (treatment C). The tensile strength, elongation and microhardness were evaluated after each heat treatment.

RESULTS

The hardness values of Sofard significantly (p < 0.05) increased during aging at 37 degrees C (treatment B) and produced adequate strengths of the soldered joints, especially with the harder solder (645.7 MPa: Degulor [222 VHN] vs. 493.3 MPa: Maingold [165 VHN]).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicated the possibility of strengthening soldered joints in the oral environment, thus eliminating the necessity for any additional hardening heat treatment.

A comparison of infrared- and torch-soldering of Au-Pd and Co-Cr metal-ceramic alloys using a high-fusing solder

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the bond strengths and fracture modes of soldered joints formed by infrared and gas-oxygen torch heating of a high-fusing, gold-based solder in two metal-ceramic alloys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pairs of half-dumbbell-shaped specimens of either an Au-Pd or a Co-Cr alloy were positioned with a 0.25-mm gap and were joined using a high-fusing, gold-based solder by either gas-oxygen torch heating or infrared heating. The resulting specimens were subjected to a heat treatment that simulated ceramic firing. Each specimen was fractured in tension at a loading rate of 0.5 cm/min, and its bond strength was measured. The halves of the specimen were rejoined using the other heating method and were heat treated, and the specimen's bond strength was again measured. Fractured cross-sections were examined at a magnification of 40x to determine the following: the fracture mode (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed); the percentage of adhesive fracture; the presence or absence of voids, porosities, or flux inclusions; and the percentage of the cross-section that was discolored.

RESULTS

Three-factor analyses of variance showed that neither the heating method, the particular specimen tested, nor the order of testing significantly affected the bond strength (P < .05). For each alloy, significantly fewer infrared-heated joints than torch-heated joints contained voids, porosities, or flux inclusions visible at 40x (chi 2 test, P < .05). All fractures were either entirely cohesive in the solder or mixed cohesive and adhesive. When infrared heating was used, entirely cohesive fractures occurred more frequently in the Au-Pd alloy specimens than in the Co-Cr alloy specimens (chi 2 test, P < .05). The coefficients of variation of the bond strengths for the infrared-heated joints were smaller than those for the torch-heated joints.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the two heating methods produced solder joints that had strengths that were not significantly different, infrared-heated joints showed less scatter in bond strengths. It was suggested that, in the hands of most technicians, fewer infrared-heated joints would contain defects visible at a magnification of 40x. The presence of such defects may increase the probability of in vivo failure caused by cyclic stresses.

Mechanical properties of metal connectors soldered by gas torch versus an infrared technique

PURPOSE

The ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation of solder joints of three alloy systems were tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Solder joints were formed using either an infrared soldering machine or gas-oxygen torch. Intact solder materials were used as controls.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in percentage elongation among different treatment methods of the solders or among various solder materials. All intact solder materials possessed significantly higher ultimate tensile strength than the joints made with either method. For high-noble and noble alloy solders, there were no significant differences in ultimate tensile strength of joints made with either method. For base metal alloy solder, the ultimate tensile strength of joints made with the infrared technique was significantly higher than that made with the gas-oxygen torch technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The infrared technique can be used as an alternative to the gas-torch technique for soldering high-noble and noble alloys. It is superior to the gas-torch technique for soldering a cobalt-chromium alloy.

Comparison of tensile strength of solder joints by infrared and conventional torch technique

Fabrication of a fixed partial denture may require a soldering step. This study compared soldering by a conventional torch procedure with an infrared soldering technique. Comparisons were made for tensile strength, porosity, and time efficiency between the two methods. No significant difference was found in ultimate tensile strength between the two types of solder joints and the nonsoldered control samples. Random samples photographed with a scanning electron microscope revealed no difference in joint porosity between the two techniques. Torch soldering took consistently less time that infrared soldering.

The fit of fixed partial dentures joined by infrared soldering

This study determined the accuracy of fit of three-unit fixed partial dentures joined by an infrared soldering technique compared with one-piece fixed partial denture castings and individually cast crowns. Wax patterns of prepared Ivorine teeth, maxillary left central incisor and maxillary left canine, were injection molded; a plastic rod was used as a pontic. One group of patterns was cast as one-piece dentures; the other group was sectioned in the connector area, cast individually and then joined by infrared soldering. Castings were seated on their respective dies, embedded in epoxy resin, and sectioned. Gap distances between the casting and the die were measured at specified marginal sites with a profile projector. Results showed that the fit of infrared-soldered fixed partial dentures was significantly better than that of one-piece castings and was comparable with the fit of single crowns. The gap openings measured in all castings were within the range of clinical acceptability.

Flexion characteristics of four-unit fixed partial denture frameworks using holographic interferometry

Flexion of a metal/ceramic fixed partial denture (FPD) framework under function can cause fracture of the porcelain or deterioration of the cement seal. This study evaluated the flexion under compressive load of a four-unit mandibular FPD replacing the second premolar and the first molar. Testing was accomplished with elapsed time holographic interferometry, using 39 porcelain fused-to-metal frameworks cast with a silver-palladium alloy. The results demonstrated that solder joints at the junction of the premolar and molar pontics flexed under a reduced compressive load and exhibited a higher failure rate than other connector designs.

The seating of one-piece and soldered fixed partial dentures

This laboratory study compared the seating of one-piece castings with that of soldered fixed partial dentures. Two investments were investigated, five American Dental Association type III and five metal ceramic alloy fixed partial dentures were made by using the conventional indirect technique. The investing and casting protocol was designed to produce an ideal fit of the individual complete crown abutments, not the fixed partial denture. Independent seating of each retainer provided a baseline measurement for complete seating and was compared with fixed partial denture seating. Fixed partial dentures were then sectioned and reassembled by soldering twice, using a low- and high-expansion investment. Statistical evaluation identified significant differences between the metals and the techniques. Marginal discrepancies with one-piece casting and lower (0.6%) thermal-expansion soldering were clinically unacceptable. A clinically acceptable fit was obtained with the higher (1%) thermal-expansion soldering investment.

Repair of an overcontoured cemented crown

A method for retracting gingival tissue to allow recontouring of crown surfaces and removal of overhanging margins has been presented.

Tensile strength analysis of midpontic soldering

A total of 120 three-unit fixed partial dentures were made by using a latex mold to produce uniform wax patterns. Four groups were used to compare the tensile strength of connectors with interproximal solder, midpontic vertical solder, midpontic diagonal solder, and a control of one-piece castings. Three different metals were tested and the tensile load required to fracture the samples as well as the fracture sites were recorded. The following was found: Soldering the interproximal connector area produced the weakest solder joints, regardless of metal tested, at p less than .001. There was no significant difference in the fracture loads between midpontic vertical soldering and midpontic diagonal soldering with all three metals at p less than .01. There was no significant difference in fracture loads between midpontic soldering and unit casting with all three metals at p less than .01. The extreme variations in fracture loads when soldering nickel-chrome-beryllium confirms the technique sensitivity of presoldering this alloy.

Accuracy of one-piece castings, preceramic and postceramic soldering

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the relative accuracy of one-piece castings of FPDs of three, four, and five units with those assembled by preceramic soldering and postceramic soldering. The preceramic soldered FPDs were subjected to six simulated porcelain firing cycles to assure a homogeneous sample. A total of 15 FPDs, five of each length, were evaluated for each test condition. A three-piece aluminum mold with stainless steel dies, which allowed for varying the length of the prosthesis, was used to fabricate the FPDs in 52% gold-palladium alloy. Marginal discrepancies of the castings on the dies were compared for the three test techniques. The mesiodistal length of the FPDs that were pre- and postsoldered were also measured at the occlusal and at the gingival margins and compared with the restorations before soldering.

Tensile strength comparison of presoldered and postsoldered joints

Twenty half-dumbbell shaped rods were cast in a silverless gold-palladium alloy that contained a minimum of 42% fresh alloy and the rest once-melted alloy. Each pair of half-dumbbells was assembled and either presoldered or postsoldered using a vacuum-oven and a torch-soldering technique. There was no significant difference in the ultimate tensile strength values between the presoldered and postsoldered joints within the same technique group, but the torch-soldered joints for the same solder were significantly stronger (p less than .01). It was believed that slow heating and cooling has deleterious effects on the ultimate tensile strength joints (UTS) possibly because of the microstructural changes and the highly oxidizable content of the postsolder used. Another 15 samples cast using once, twice, and three-times remelted parent alloy were presoldered and postsoldered with the torch only. In each of these groups, specimens joined by presolder showed significantly higher strength than those joined by postsolder (p less than .02). Remelting the parent alloy affected the strength differences between the presoldered and postsoldered joints. It was assumed that on remelting, the nature of the parent alloy is changed because some original elements are volatilized and newly formed oxides dissolved into it. Because it contains copper, the postsolder is more affected by this contamination than presolder. The UTS of the parent alloy, as well as that of the presolder and postsolder, were also determined. As expected, the parent alloy possessed the highest strength and the postsolder, the lowest.

The effects of prewetting on postsoldering of base metal alloys

Prewetting the surface of a base metal alloy with solder prior to low temperature soldering produced strong, predictable, oxide-free joints similar to precious metal joints. The positive results were obtained whether the prewet base metal was soldered to other prewet base metal or to precious metals. Soldered combinations of non-prewet base metal showed lower strength, less predictability, and more oxide formation than the prewet counterparts. The prewetting concept was described for use with fixed prosthodontics or removable partial dentures.

A system for localizing pontics

The ceramometal pontic has the greatest potential as an esthetic replacement for missing teeth. Maximum esthetic and mechanical properties are obtainable only with post-ceramic soldering. A means of maintaining positional stability for the pontic is offered, as well as some helpful hints in the use of the technique in various clinical situations.

Soldering index for minimal coverage retainers

The soldering index serves to record the precise alignment of the separate parts of a fixed partial prosthesis as positioned on the abutments. The use of an all-acrylic resin index is not as accurate as a plaster index. When impression plaster is used alone, it is difficult to place minimal coverage retainers such as inlays back into the index. This article describes a simple method that may overcome the difficulty without sacrificing the dimensional accuracy inherent in a plaster index.

Laser-welded vs soldered nonprecious alloy dental bridges: a comparative study

The high cost of gold alloy has caused the dental profession to begin substituting nonprecious alloy for the framework in porcelain fused to metal bridges. Especially in long-span bridges it may be advantageous to make multiple castings and then join them for a better fit. As opposed to the highly successful soldering of gold, soldered nonprecious alloy bridges have a great failure rate in the mouth. Removal of and remaking of the bridges is thus the result. This study compares nonprecious units that have been laser-welded with those conventionally soldered. Seven identical bridges of three units were cast in a popular alloy composed of 74-78% nickel, 12-15% chromium, 4-6% molybdenum, and 1.8% maximum beryllium. One served as a control, while the remaining six were all cut in the same place. Of these, three were soldered with a gas oxygen torch. The other three were welded with a Nd-YAG laser. Better and stronger joints unlikely to fracture in the mouth were found with the laser-welded specimen.

Soldering nonnoble alloys

Successful presoldering of nonnoble alloys is variable at best. Under controlled conditions of joint gap distance, investing, and soldering, more than one third of the soldered joints are likely to fail. Furthermore, the recorded strength of successful solder joints was inconsistent. Improved heat application and controlled oxidation are required. Until new materials and/or techniques are developed, the soldering of nonnoble alloys prior to the application of porcelain is unwarranted.

Soldering of removable partial dentures

Both high- and low-heat removable partial denture alloys were soldered with combinations of different solders and heat sources. The soldered specimens were subjected to tensile strength testing, and a ranking of joint strength was developed. Joint strengths that were 85% as strong as the as-cast metal were created in both alloy types when 0.800 fine solder was used with an electrosoldering device as a heat source. All other combinations tested resulted in greater reductions in joint strength.

Post-ceramic soldering of various alloys

A base metal alloy was soldered to precious and semiprecious alloys using a post-ceramic soldering technique. The specimens were tested by the tensile mode and the results statistically analyzed. The solder joints involving the base metal had strengths comparable to the precious and semiprecious joints. However, a high percentage of the base metal joints were too weak to be tested. Further study using other solders is indicated.

Post-soldering of nonprecious alloys

A repeatable post-soldering technique for a nonprecious alloy has been described. With proper metal design, nonprecious alloy crowns can be soldered in a standard vacuum porcelain furnace. Scanning electron micrographs and EDXA confirm that a good union has taken place between the gold solder and nickel alloy.

Distortion in dental soldering as affected by gap distance

In identifying the criteria which influence soldering distortion, the results of this study indicate the following: 1. Linear distortion identified at the investment phase (a net increase in gap distance) is due to setting expansion of the plaster and soldering investment. 2. The linear distortion identified at the soldering phase (a net decrease in gap distance) occurs because of the contraction of the solder. 3. The rotational distortions measured were found to be minimal. 4. The use of a minimum gap distance, without contact, is desirable. 5. Adding solder results in a well-rounded, solid solder joint.

An investigation of tensile strength of dental solder joints

Tensile specimens of dental solder joints were tested to determine the effect of gap distance on the strength of solder joints. Two dental alloys were used; a Type III gold alloy and a gold-palladium (Au-Pd) alloy. The Type III alloy was joined with the recommended gold solder. The Au-Pd alloy was joined using preceramic and postceramic application soldering techniques. Gap distances of 0.13 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1 mm were used with each soldering technique. All solder specimens were machined to a uniform diameter and then tested for tensile strength. It was concluded that: 1. There was a significant increase in strength for the Type III gold as the gap distance was increased. 2. The trend toward stronger joints at narrow gap distances for Au-Pd alloy joined with presolder was not statistically significant. 3. The trend toward stronger joints at wide gap distances for the Au-Pd alloy joined with the postsolder was not statistically significant. 4. The postsolder joints were statistically stronger than the presolder joints. 5. The trends observed could be partially explained in terms of competing effects of yield strength (triaxially), wettability, and void or inclusion content at the various gap distances.