Metal restorations

Question 1

What are the advantages of metal restorations?

Answer 1

Conservative prep
Accurate fit
Robust
Easy to adjust 
Can support RPD
Act as a bridge retainer 
Simple production

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of metal restorations?

Answer 2

Aesthetics
Concerns with biocompatibility
Thermal compatibility

Question 3

What is the procedure for making metal restorations?

Answer 3

Die spacer applied
Separator is applied
First layer created by dipping 
Marginal wax replaced with inlay wax
Proximal contacts built in inlay wax 
Occlusal contacts produced
Shape established

Question 4

What are the considerations for metal restorations?

Answer 4

Thickness of material
Emergence profile
Contacts
Shape

Question 5

What are the considerations for investing?

Answer 5

Sprue size and position

Refractory type

Question 6

What do you need to consider when casting?

Answer 6

The metal type - melting temp, casting temp, heat treatment
Heat source
Casting force

Question 7

How do you finish the metal restoration?

Answer 7

De-vesting - removing the refractory
Cleaning - in aid
Metal finishing - trimming, adjusting, polishing

Question 8

How do you produce the metal restoration using CAD?

Answer 8

Design via CAD system
Print or mill wax pattern
Mill metal from ingot
Selective laser melting (3D printing of metal)