Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Commercially Pure Titanium and TitaniumAluminum-Vanadium Alloy Cast Restorations.

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the marginal accuracy and internal fit of complete cast crowns and three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) cast with commercially pure titanium (CPTi) and TitaniumAluminum-Vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Methods and Materials: CPTi and Ti-6Al-4V alloy were used to cast twelve single crowns and twelve three-unit FPDs. A traveling microscope was used to measure marginal gap and discrepancies in internal fit. Two and oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were used to determine the effects of the marginal and internal fit discrepancies. Results: The Ti-6Al-4V alloy demonstrated a significantly smaller marginal gap than CPTi (P<0.0001). The recorded marginal discrepancies for both metals were within a clinically accepted range (<100 µm). The single crown fit discrepancy was significantly smaller than the three-unit FPD for both the CPTi and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy (P<0.0001). For the internal fit discrepancy, the occlusal surface showed the greatest gaps. Conclusions: The Ti-6Al-4V alloy demonstrated a better fit than CPTi. Single crowns showed an improved fit when compared with the three-unit FPD. Mid-occlusal internal gap demonstrated greater values than the axial internal gap. Clinical Implications: This in vitro study suggested marginal fit of complete crowns and three-unit FPDs cast by CPTi or Ti-6Al-4V alloy were within the range of what is clinically acceptable for longevity of restorations.