Accuracy of temporary laser welding of FPDs by Nd:YAG laser in the oral cavity

Dent Mater J. 2006 Sep;25(3):604-10. doi: 10.4012/dmj.25.604.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of temporary fixation with laser welding for fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Five kinds of experimental FPD with different welding/soldering gaps were fabricated (0, 20, 50 microm for welding; 300 microm for soldering). Then, FPDs were temporary-fixed by laser welding or with a self-curing resin. Fixation accuracy was evaluated by the change in distance and the angular deformation between two retainers. The change in distance and the angular deformation between two retainers of the FPD without welding/soldering gap were significantly larger than the other FPDs (p<0.05). With due consideration to the displacement of teeth or implants especially in the mesiodistal direction, and by taking into account the inevitable errors of the indirect method, it seemed reasonable to provide a welding space of approximately 20 microm.

MeSH terms

  • Dental Prosthesis Repair / instrumentation*
  • Dental Prosthesis Repair / methods
  • Dental Soldering / methods*
  • Denture, Partial, Fixed*
  • Lasers