Variations in bridge construction in commercial laboratories

Identical working models for the construction of a porcelain bonded to metal three unit fixed bridge were sent to 30 different commercial dental laboratories in the United Kingdom. The material was sent from general dental practice addresses with the implication for treatment under the National Health Service. Each bridge on its return was examined for acceptability using subjective criteria based on clinical and technical factors. There was a wide variation between bridges which gave cause for concern. Lack of a satisfactory prescription for the laboratories to work to must have played a part in this variation. However, it is stressed that the prescription used in this work was deliberately chosen as representative of that which may be used by clinicians.