Comparison of interface relationships between implant components for laser-welded titanium frameworks and standard cast frameworks.

With the introduction of new techniques for the fabrication of frameworks for implant-supported prostheses comes the need to understand how the components used compare to those used for conventional cast frameworks. The relationship of measured machining tolerances between conventional implant components and those components used for stereo laser-welded implant frameworks was determined using a standardized protocol. Statistically significant differences in the horizontal interface relationship were found between paired implant components, which had a mean range from 23.1 to 51.7 microns. From a laboratory and clinical perspective, machining tolerances of implant components represent a variable associated with their manufacturing, which can ultimately affect the fit of a completed prosthesis.