Shape reproducibility of retentive devices made of cast titanium.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the shape reproducibility of retentive devices made of cast titanium. Retention beads were placed on wax patterns for frameworks of composite resin-veneered restoration using four bead adhesives. The wax patterns were invested in the magnesia-based material and titanium was cast using two different casting machines. The percentage of reproduced retentive devices were evaluated using imaging software. Cast specimens were sliced and concavity was evaluated. The contact angle between the wax surface and adhesives was determined with a contact angle meter. The reproducibility of retentive devices was not influenced by the type of adhesive for both machines. Reproducibility, however, was better for castings fabricated by a one-chamber machine with the use of two adhesives. Although the contact angle to wax material of adhesives varied considerably, reproducibility and concavity of retentive devices of titanium castings were guaranteed with the combination of two machines and four bead adhesives.