Accurately locating the components of a fixed partial denture prior to soldering the

connector: An intraoral technique

Christopher D. Lynch, BDS,a and Robert J. McConnell, BDS, PhDb
National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland

Two-piece castings united by solder joints have been

suggested for fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with a span of
more than 3 units.1 Relating the components of an FPD
intraorally at the evaluation stage is beneficial, in that the
clinical fit of individual retainers prior to soldering can be
assessed and the eventual marginal fit enhanced.2 A simple procedure for this process is described.

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the provisional restorations and cement
from the prepared teeth.
2. Seat the individual definitive components (Fig. 1),
and assess the marginal fit of each retainer.
aRegistrar,

Department of Restorative Dentistry.

Department of Restorative Dentistry.
J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:460-1.

bProfessor,

Fig. 1. Maxillary 4-unit FPD prior to try-in evaluation. Solder

joint will unite distal retainer (maxillary first molar) to distal
pontic (maxillary second premolar).

3. Secure the castings to the abutment teeth with

low-viscosity vinyl polysiloxane impression material (Extrude; Kerr Corp, Romulus, Mich.).
4. Mix quick-setting plaster (Snow White Plaster
No. 2; Kerr Italia SpA, Salerno, Italy) according
to the manufacturers instructions, and apply it to
one side of a wooden tongue blade.
5. Position the tongue blade along the occlusal surfaces of the castings, and hold it carefully in place
until the plaster has set.
6. When the material has set, remove the tongue
blade from the mouth. The castings should be
locked in the plaster (Fig. 2).
7. Remove the low-viscosity impression material,
and return the castings with the attached plaster
and tongue blade to the dental laboratory for soldering (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2. FPD components after pick-up with quick-setting

plaster and wooden tongue blade.

B
Fig. 3. A, FPD after soldering. Marginal fit must be reassessed prior to cementation. B, Final
prosthesis in place.

460 THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY

VOLUME 87 NUMBER 4

LYNCH AND MCCONNELL

THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY

REFERENCES
1. Stade EH, Reisbick MH, Preston JD. Preceramic and postceramic solder
joints. J Prosthet Dent 1975;34:527-32.
2. Ziebert GJ, Hurtado A, Glapa C, Schiffleger BE. Accuracy of one-piece
castings, preceramic and postceramic soldering. J Prosthet Dent
1986;55:312-7.
Reprint requests to:
DR CHRISTOPHER LYNCH
DEPARTMENT OF RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
UNIVERSITY DENTAL SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL
WILTON, CORK
IRELAND
FAX: (353)21-434-5737
E-MAIL: clynch85@hotmail.com

Copyright 2002 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic

Dentistry.
0022-3913/2002/$35.00 + 0. 10/4/122012

doi:10.1067/mpr.2002.122012

New product news

The January and July issues of the Journal carry information regarding new products of interest to prosthodontists. Product information should be sent 1 month prior to ad closing date to:
Dr. Glen P. McGivney, Editor, UNC School of Dentistry, 414C Brauer Hall, CB #7450, Chapel
Hill, NC 27599-7450. Product information may be accepted in whole or in part at the discretion
of the Editor and is subject to editing. A black-and-white glossy photo may be submitted to
accompany product information.
Information and products reported are based on information provided by the manufacturer.
No endorsement is intended or implied by the Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic
Dentistry, the editor, or the publisher.

APRIL 2002

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