Comparison of the load at failure of soldered and nonsoldered porcelain- fused-to-metal crowns

Statement of problem The application of solder material to metal frameworks could affect the porcelain-to-metal failure load and possibly compromise the longevity of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Purpose This in vitro study assessed the influence of solder on the porcelain failure load between metal and porcelain, using crown-shaped specimens. Material and methods Forty standardized crown patterns were fabricated on a metal die and cast with noble alloy (Protocol). The specimens were divided into test (soldered, n=20) and control (nonsoldered, n=20) groups. A 2-mm–diameter perforation was produced on the buccal surface of the test specimens, 1.5 mm apical to the junction between occlusal and buccal surfaces. The perforation was repaired with high-fusing white ceramic solder material. All castings were finished with aluminum oxide stones and airborne-particle abraded with 50-μm aluminum oxide at 75 psi of pressure. Two layers each of opaque and dentin porcelain were applied on all specimens. All crowns were subjected to a vertical compressive load with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The loading apparatus of the device contacted the buccal cusp only. In both control and test groups, 10 crowns were loaded with a stainless steel pin (phase I) whereas the remaining 10 in each group were loaded with a carbon steel pin (phase II). Means of loads at failure were recorded in each group for each pin type and compared (soldered vs nonsoldered) by use of a t test (α=.05). Results Mean failure load for nonsoldered crowns was 349 ± 63 kgf in phase I and 228 ± 49 kgf in phase II. Soldered crowns showed a significantly lower failure load (265 ± 82 kgf [phase I; P P Conclusion Soldered metal-porcelain crown specimens demonstrated a significantly lower load at failure. Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that solder material might negatively affect porcelain-metal crowns.