STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Nickel-chromium alloys are indicated for the construction of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures; however, the potential toxicity of nickel has been a source of concern. Composite cements do not develop an adequate bond to air abraded noble alloys, which cannot be electrolytically etched. Tin-electroplating of noble alloys appears to be an alternative treatment for resin bonding. PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated the effect of tin-electroplating on the bond of a composite cement to base and noble alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tensile tests were made with disks of four alloys that were cemented to each other with an adhesive composite cement after (1) air abrasion with 50 microns aluminum oxide and (2) air abrasion plus tin-electroplating. RESULTS: Tin-electroplating increased the bond strength of metal-ceramic gold alloy (Au,Pd,Pt) to a level comparable to the nickel-chromium alloy, but had a harmful effect on type IV gold alloy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recommendation for tin-electroplating of type IV gold alloys, this procedure did not improve bond strength to composite in this study.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Nickel-chromium alloys are indicated for the construction of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures; however, the potential toxicity of nickel has been a source of concern. Composite cements do not develop an adequate bond to air abraded noble alloys, which cannot be electrolytically etched. Tin-electroplating of noble alloys appears to be an alternative treatment for resin bonding. PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated the effect of tin-electroplating on the bond of a composite cement to base and noble alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tensile tests were made with disks of four alloys that were cemented to each other with an adhesive composite cement after (1) air abrasion with 50 microns aluminum oxide and (2) air abrasion plus tin-electroplating. RESULTS:Tin-electroplating increased the bond strength of metal-ceramic gold alloy (Au,Pd,Pt) to a level comparable to the nickel-chromium alloy, but had a harmful effect on type IV gold alloy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recommendation for tin-electroplating of type IV gold alloys, this procedure did not improve bond strength to composite in this study.