Comparison and evaluation of marginal and internal gaps in cobalt–chromium alloy copings fabricated using subtractive and additive manufacturing

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the marginal and internal gaps of cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloy copings fabricated using subtractive and additive manufacturing.

Methods: A study model of an abutment tooth 46 was prepared by a 2-step silicone impression with dental stone. Fifteen stereolithography files for Co–Cr alloy copings were compiled using a model scanner and dental CAD software. Using the lost wax (LW), wax block (WB), soft metal block (SMB), microstereolithography (μ-SLA), and selected laser melting (SLM) techniques, 15 Co–Cr alloy copings were fabricated per group. The marginal and internal gaps of these Co–Cr alloy copings were measured using a digital microscope (160×), and the data obtained were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H-test and post-hoc Mann–Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction.

Results: The mean values of the marginal, axial wall, and occlusal gaps were 91.8, 83.4, and 163 μm in the LW group; 94.2, 77.5, and 122 μm in the WB group; 60.0, 79.4, and 90.8 μm in the SMB group; 154, 72.4, and 258 μm in the μ-SLA group; and 239, 73.6, and 384 μm in the SLM group, respectively. The differences in the marginal and occlusal gaps between the 5 groups were statistically significant (P <.05).

Conclusions: The marginal gaps of the LW, WB, and SMB groups were within the clinically acceptable limit, but further improvements in the μ-SLA and SLM approaches may be required prior to clinical implementation.