Luting space assessment of metal free fixed partial prostheses. A qualitative study.

Abstract

The aim of this ex vivo study is to assess with digital microscopy the thickness of luting space of metal free FPP made with technologies: selective laser sintering, milling and pressing. Twelve metal free FPP were designed after two technological protocols. The first group was made with pressed ceramic (IPS E.max Ceram). The veneering was made with feldspalthic ceramic IPS (E.max Ceram). The second group of samples was made with CAD/CAM subtractive technology. The metal free infrastructures were digitally designed for milling in zirconium oxide discs (IPS E.max ZirCAD). The prostheses adaptation was measured and checked with dedicated silicone. The evaluation of internal adaptation with optical microscope is more accurate. The silicone has a resilient characteristic and may influence the results. The measurement made with digital microscope are accurately higher.