Adaptability Evaluation of Metal-Ceramic Crowns Obtained by Additive and Subtractive Technologies

• Main Authors: Cristina Elena Savencu, Costela Șerban, Liliana Porojan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: rapid prototyping; selective laser sintering; selective laser melting; marginal and internal fit; CAD/CAM system; cobalt-chromium alloy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/16/5563

(1) Background: Traditional metal-ceramic restorations are considered as a standard in the evaluation of new technologies. A critical factor in their longevity is represented by their adaptability; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal gap of ceramic-fused to metal crowns with frameworks obtained by additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and the influence of veneering process on their fit; (2) Methods: Metal-ceramic crowns have been produced by conventional lost-wax technology (T), digital milling (F), selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM). The adaptability was assessed using silicone replicas before and after ceramic veneering; (3) Results: The best values were obtained for the milled group followed closely by SLM and SLS, and a significantly higher gap for casted copings. The veneering process did not significantly influence the adaptability of the crowns, regardless of the manufacturing process used for frameworks. The present study promotes additive technologies (AT) as a fast, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional technology. There are fewer steps in which errors can occur when digital technologies are used and the risk of distortion is diminished. (4) Conclusions: CAD/CAM technologies, both additive and subtractive, represent an excellent option to produce time-effective, precise metal-ceramic crowns with excellent adaptation.