Abstract
The quality of construction of fixed bridge prostheses directly affects their long-term survival. The cost, alloy composition and marginal fit of bridges made by 30 commercial dental laboratories is assessed. Duplicate models of a three unit bridge preparation were sent to 30 different laboratories, as if required for a patient receiving treatment under the General Dental Service. Material was sent via general dental practitioners, requesting metal-ceramic bridges made from 45% Au alloy, precious metal or non-precious metal. Proximal contacts were overbuilt at 65% of sites and pontic tissue contacts were excessive in all but one bridge. Eight laboratories did not use alloys corresponding to the request made. The mean marginal gaps of non-precious metal bridges (145 microns) were significantly greater than those for 45% gold alloy (106 microns). Marginal fit was poor and a number of factors have been observed, with other postulated, which may have contributed to this problem
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Northeast, S., van, N., Johnson, A. et al. Metal-ceramic bridges from commercial dental laboratories: alloy composition, cost and quality of fit. Br Dent J 172, 198–204 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4807820
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4807820
This article is cited by
-
Dental practice in the UK in 2015/2016. Part 3: aspects of indirect restorations and fixed prosthodontics
British Dental Journal (2019)
-
Assessment of crown and bridge work quality among Sudanese dental practitioners
The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society (2010)
-
Crowns and extra-coronal restorations: Materials selection
British Dental Journal (2002)