Selective laser sintering versus conventional lost-wax casting for single metal copings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Evidence comparing the marginal and internal fit of single metal copings fabricated via selective laser sintering and conventional lost-wax casting is inadequate.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the fit of single metal copings fabricated via selective laser sintering and lost-wax casting. Moreover, the effects of different variables on fit accuracy were determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Wiley databases were searched electronically as well as manually. The mean absolute marginal gap, marginal gap, internal gap, axial gap, and occlusal gap values of single metal copings fabricated via selective laser sintering and lost-wax casting were statistically analyzed to determine and evaluate the factors affecting the fit accuracy (α=.05).

RESULTS

Single metal copings fabricated via selective laser sintering had mean absolute marginal gaps and occlusal gaps similar to those of copings fabricated via lost-wax casting, based on a subgroup meta-analysis of gaps evaluated using stereomicroscopy (P>.05). The fit of single metal copings was not affected by the type of tooth (P>.05). The conventional impression, the indirect digital scan, and the direct digital scan led to similar values of mean axial gap, internal gap, and marginal gap for the copings fabricated via lost-wax casting (P>.05). The indirect and direct digital scans led to similar values of mean axial gap, internal gap, and marginal gap for the copings fabricated via selective laser sintering (P>.05). Printed wax patterns provided significantly smaller mean axial gap values than milled plastic or milled wax patterns for the copings fabricated via lost-wax casting (P<.05). Printed, milled, and conventional wax patterns had similar mean marginal gaps and internal gaps for the copings fabricated via lost-wax casting (P>.05). For single copings fabricated via lost-wax casting, Ni-Cr and Co-Cr had similar mean internal gaps (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant differences were found between single metal copings fabricated via selective laser sintering and lost-wax casting. Selective laser sintering can satisfy the clinical requirement for single metal copings.