A comparison of the casting ability of precious and nonprecious alloys for porcelain veneering.

The alloys tested varied with respect to their castability. This variability is related to density. Problems caused by low density may be solved by increasing the casting force. For all parameters measured in the laboratory, Thermocraft, a precious alloy, proved to be the most satisfactory- Wiron S, a nonprecious alloy, was comparable to Degudent Universal, a gold alloy. The application of Wiron S as a successful gold substitute should, therefore, be further investigated clinically. Equipment, investment, and casting techniques, all designed for the casting of gold alloys, were also used for the nonprecious alloys. These are standard facilities readily available in clinical practice. Modifications or technical improvement to these factors may result in more successful application to the other nonprecious alloys.