Titanium full crown casting: thermal expansion of investments and crown accuracy

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to establish a statistical model between thermal expansion values of investments and dimensional accuracy of cast titanium full crowns. Methods: Thermal expansion (TE) measurements were made on cylindrical specimens (5 empty set x 20 mm) dried to constant mass and full crown wax patterns were prepared from metal dies having the same design. Castings were made using a one-chamber high-pressure casting machine. Dimensional accuracy of the cast crowns was expressed by the discrepancy (mu m) between the wax pattern and a casting prepared from the same die. A simple least squares linear regression analysis was made on data accumulated over the last five years. Results: A high correlation coefficient (R = 0.87) was found between dimensional accuracy (Y) and thermal expansion value (X), and the accuracy was predicted by a formula Y = 1040.50X - 1004.45 mu m For zero discrepancy, a thermal expansion of 0.97% was required. Significance: The dimensional accuracy expressed as the discrepancy between wax pattern and casting is easy to understand and less confusing than the traditional percentage value. The crown accuracy was highly predictable (R = 0.87) from the thermal expansion value of investments determined under controlled laboratory measuring conditions. New investments being released for titanium casting can be under constant modification. For this, regular monitoring of their TE behaviour is essential and use of the same batch is preferable for expansion measurement and crown accuracy assessment. (C) 1999 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.