Fabricating crowns to fit clasp-bearing abutment teeth

As with other direct-indirect methods, the Duralay index method has the advantage of not depriving patients of their dentures. The index takes very little time to fabricate since it is only necessary to obtain a Duralay mold of the internal surface of the clasp assembly and the external surface of the prepared tooth. In addition, the index will serve as a guide for the final waxup. In waxing, it will only be necessary to fill in the contours and margins without touching the index surfaces which contact the clasp assembly and occlusal stops. If occlusal stops were incorporated in the index, no opposing cast is necessary. This method may be used with full veneer and veneered crowns and any impression technique and die material providing that the expansion during investing and casting results in a passive fit of the crown.