Comparative accuracy of fixed partial dentures made as one-piece castings or joined by solder

Four-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated as a one-piece casting or as two-piece castings joined by soldering prior to the addition of porcelain. The accuracy of the two techniques was compared and evaluated using an anatomic cast-metal master model. All procedures, including SEM measurements, were performed directly on the master model. The cast one-piece units had smaller vertical marginal openings than did the soldered units. The rigid nature of the abutments evokes the problems occurring with osseointegrated implants.