Fit of implant frameworks fabricated by different techniques

Purpose. This study evaluated the precision of fit between an implant framework and a patient simulation model that consisted of five implant abutments located in the mandibular symphysis area. One-piece cast frameworks were compared with Procera machined and laser-welded frameworks with laser videography. Material and methods. Five frameworks of each type were measured with a laser digitizer and a graphics computer program to determine a single point represented as the "Centroid" for each framework component and each implant abutment. Differences between the paired centroids for each framework/ abutment interface are reported as x- and y-axis displacements, and z-axis gaps. The direction of the x-and y-axis displacements was determined. Results. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the precision of fit between both the one-piece cast frameworks and the Procera frameworks, when compared with the abutments in the patient simulation model. The laser-welded framework exhibited a more precise fit than the one-piece casting, with significant differences at four of the five prosthodontic interfaces, when evaluated by the mean z-axis gap at the centroid points.