Cast dental restorations modern repair possibilities

Objective: The aim of the study was to test microplasma welding possibilities of cast dental restorations. Background: In classical conditions some lack of substance defects of cast restorations need their renewal, but modern techniques of dental alloys welding in protective gas shield allow correction of these defects, without repeating all of the clinical and technical stages. Materials and methods: Different Ni-Cr cast restorations with defects were chosen in order to add proximal contacts, to repair casting voids and to lengthen short cast crowns using microplasma welder. The optimal welding parameters were correlated with the defect type, size, and working stage. Nondestructive and destructive analyses tested the welding quality. Results: The welding parameters were determined for each defect type. An adequate combination of them allowed to obtain optimal repairs. These were proved by testing methods. Conclusion: Minor defects of cast restorations are suitable for correction, by welding with filling material and the used time is much more reduced than those needed for restoration renewal. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the Grant CNCSIS 171/2007 from the Ministry of Education, Research, and Youth Romania Keywords: cast dental restorations, defects, welding