Hot-pressed porcelain process for porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations

A technique has been described that simplifies the production of full-coverage, porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. The process utilizes a furnace-flask system in which the restoration is invested in a high-temperature refractory material and processed at an elevated temperature (1,850 degrees F.) under pressure. Shrinkage of 0.001 to 0.005 inch at the supporting cusp tips and fossae has been recorded. Tests indicate that the porcelain produced has a tensile strength and wear rate similar to those of porcelain processed by conventional methods.