Electroforming technique.

Electroforming technology is used to form substructures for porcelain inlays and crowns. This technique may be used as an alternative to the currently available porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic systems. Composed of pure 24 K gold deposited directly onto a duplicate die, electroformed copings are relatively thin (0.2 mm), highly biocompatible, and present a marginal accuracy of 20 microns on average. The equipment is relatively easy to use and therefore makes this technique attractive to small ceramics laboratories. The esthetic advantages of a gold colored substructure, the reduced thickness of the coping, and the improved fit of the gold collar when it is used, present a restorative alternative to the dentist, to the ceramist, and to the patient.