Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal and internal discrepancy of nickel-chrome (Ni-Cr) copings made on implant bridges with conventional and 3D printing techniques.
Materials and methods: 30 three-unit Ni-Cr FDPs (60 copings) were made by 3D-printing technique (PolyJet group), lost-wax method with die spacer technique (die spacer group), and lost-wax method with burn-out the cap (burn-out cap group). Then, the frames obtained from the three methods were checked to examine the marginal discrepancy by stereomicroscope after preparation and polishing. The silicon replica method was used to investigate the internal discrepancy at 6 points (buccal portion of occlusal surface, lingual portion of occlusal surface, middle area of the axial surface in the lingual, middle area of the axial surface in the buccal, cervico-buccal area, and cervico-lingual area). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed first to estimate the normality of data distribution. A one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test were done for comparing marginal and internal discrepancies between groups. The significant level was considered p < 0.05.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of marginal discrepancy in the PolyJet group, die spacer group, and burn-out cap group was 37.9 ± 15, 68.8 ± 31.8 and 42.7 ± 3.6 µm for buccal margins and 40.4 ± 12.3, 64 ± 21.7, and 42.4 ± 2.1 µm for lingual margins, respectively. The means of buccal and lingual marginal discrepancy in the burn-out cap group and PolyJet group were significantly lower than the die spacer group (p < 0.001). Marginal discrepancy was not statistically different between the burn-out cap group and the PolyJet group. The mean ± standard deviation of overall internal discrepancy in the PolyJet group, die spacer group, and burn-out cap group was 64.6 ± 3.7, 72 ± 22.2, and 58.7 ± 2 µm, respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean of internal discrepancy between three groups (p = 0.001). The mean of internal discrepancy of the burn-out cap group was significantly lower than the die spacer group (p = 0.001) and PolyJet group (p = 0.005). Internal discrepancy was not significantly different between the PolyJet group and the die spacer group (p = 0.168).
Conclusion: The marginal and internal gap rates of the three groups were within clinically acceptable limits. The 3D printing technique and lost-wax method with burn-out the cap had the lowest buccal and lingual marginal discrepancies. The burn-out cap method had better fitness and less internal discrepancy than 3D printing and die spacer groups.
Clinical significance: Lower marginal discrepancy of copings fabricated by using 3D printed patterns may improve clinical success of implant restoration. How to cite this article: Ziaei M, Bajoghli F, Sabouhi M, et al. Evaluating the Marginal and Internal Discrepancy of Nickel-Chrome Copings Made on Fixed Partial Denture Implants with Conventional and 3D Printing Techniques. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):826-833.
Keywords: Internal discrepancy; Internal gap; Marginal discrepancy 3D printing..