The project “Mechanical Properties of CoCr Dental-Prosthesis Restorations Made by Three Manufacturing Processes. Influence of the Microstructure and Topography” and “Corrosion Resistance and Ion Release of Dental Prosthesis of CoCr obtained by CAD-CAM Milling, Casting and Laser Sintering” led by Dr Xavier Gil, researcher at the Bioengineering Institute of Technology, focused on analysing and comparing the different properties of the three types of dental prosthesis manufacturing.

 

The papers, recently published in the first quartile journal Metals, have shown how CAD-CAM milling achieves a better fit of the prosthesis, avoiding possible bacterial filtration that could cause peri-implantitis. It has also been demonstrated that corrosion resistance is better for parts milled by CAD-CAM and the lower ion release to the physiological environment by this method of manufacture. Casting and laser sintering cause microstructural heterogeneity that affects the quality and properties of dental restorations. All three dental prosthesis modes were generated with a single laboratory scanner focused on the analysis of vertical adjustment and its mechanical and chemical properties.

 

In order to overcome the disadvantages inherent in traditional manufacturing methods, different research projects have been carried out to find the best technologies for each material. “The results obtained in this study have shown that the CADCAM milling process offers better vertical adjustment accuracy, surface quality and higher flexure load to fracture compared to sintering and laser casting methods,” explain the authors. “Casting and sintering conditions must be improved to improve microstructure and avoid porosity to ensure optimal results for clinical services.”