A Technique for Characterizing Casting Behavior of Dental Alloys

Abstract

A technique for characterizing casting behavior of dental alloys has been developed and tested. The method employs easily reproducible specimen patterns and uses equipment and procedures generally available in dental prosthetic laboratories. A castability value is arrived at by counting complete segments of a cast alloy grid. Test results indicate that the castability evaluation procedure described can be a valuable aid in the laboratory for both selecting and using dental materials for producing cast restorations. The test method would also appear useful for the evaluation of products and techniques during research and development. An absolute minimum for the castability value determined relative to clinical and laboratory efficacy has yet to be established.