An experimental model for the assessment of titanium denture casting techniques.

In order to establish the most suitable technique for the construction of cast titanium denture frames, an experimental model was developed for the quantification of casting success. A relatively large wax pattern (36 x 29 x 0.9 mm) was prepared from a grid sheet used for the construction of cast cobalt chromium partial denture frames. The pattern consisted of 100 circles and the number of completely cast circles was counted to obtain a percentage success rate. The castings were complete with pure titanium but incomplete (average 54%) with a titanium alloy. For an inspection of internal defects the radiographic conditions were optimised by adopting a relative density of about 2.0. The procedures described will help in establishing the most suitable casting technique for the construction of titanium denture frames for any casting system employed in a laboratory.