• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of present study is to compare mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of fractured surface for cast, 3-D printing laser sintered and CAD/CAM milled cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy specimens and to investigate whether laser sintered technique is adequate for dental applications. Materials and methods: Thirty six flat disc shape Co-Cr alloy specimens were fabricated for surface hardness test and divided into three groups according to the manufacturing methods; 12 specimens for casting (n=12), 12 specimens for laser sintered technology (n=12) and 12 specimens for milled technology (n=12). Twelve dumbbell shape specimens for each group were also fabricated for a tensile test. Statistical comparisons of the mechanical properties for the alloys were performed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney and Bonferroni test. The microstructural characteristics of fractured surfaces were examined using SEM. Results: There were significant differences in the mean Vickers hardness values between all groups and the cast specimen showed the highest (455.88 Hv) while the CAD/CAM milled specimen showed the lowest (243.40 Hv). Significant differences were found among the three groups for ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% yield stress, elongation, and elastic modulus. The highest ultimate tensile strength value (1442.94 MPa) was shown in the milled group and the highest 0.2% yield strength (1136.15 MPa) was shown in the laser sintered group. Conclusion: Different manufacturing methods influence the mechanical properties and microstructure of the fractured surfaces in Co-Cr alloys. The cast Co-Cr alloy specimens showed the highest Vickers hardness, and the CAD/CAM milled specimens revealed the highest tensile strength value. All alloys represent adequate mechanical properties satisfying the ISO standards of dental alloy.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.66-73
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• 2015

Alveolar bone loss and deformation can be a risk factor in removable prosthetic restoration treatment for partially or fully edentulous patients. The use of implants to solve this problem could improve the support, retention and stability of removable restoration. Attachments used in implant overdenture are versatile. The attachment should be selected according to the patients' conditions. Milled bar has been chosen when readymade bar could not be used because of the narrow distance between implants or firm stability and support of supra-structure were needed. Milled bar design is able to provide cross arch stabilization and comfortability to patients. However, it needs skilled laboratory procedures. Recently, the fabrication of milled bar has become simple and its suitability has been improved through the development of CAD/CAM system. In a 67-year-old female Alzheimer's disease patient with 8 implant fixtures on the fully edentulous site of mandible, implant overdenture with using milled bar and magnet attachment was planned. As rapid treatment was required, CAD/CAM system was used to make a simple laboratory procedure instead of a traditional fabrication process. With this system, implant overdenture with milled bar can be fabricated esthetically and functionally.