To Evaluate the Marginal Fit of Metal Copings Fabricated by Conventional Casting Procedure and Direct Metal Laser Sintering Technology – an In Vitro Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate marginal fit of cobalt- chromium (Co-Cr) copings fabricated by direct metal laser sintering system (DMLS) and conventional lost-wax technique (LW). Materials and method: Forty tooth preparations were carried out over extracted mandibular molars. They were divided into two groups A and B of 20 each. For group A Co-Cr copings were fabricated by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and for group B by lost wax technique (LW). Glass –ionomer cement (GIC) was used to tack the copings over their preparations. Marginal fit was then evaluated directly under the stereomicroscope. Results: The mean marginal gap of group A was 27.9 ± 2.4 μm and group B was 40.4 ±6 μm. Statistical analysis using t - test showed highly significant difference (P>.05) between the marginal mean of the DMLS (group A) compared to LW (group B). Conclusion: The DMLS copings demonstrated superior marginal fit compared to that of conventional Co-Cr casted copings.