Effects of firing cycle and surface finishing on distortion of metal ceramic castings

The "as-cast" fit of metal ceramic restorations has been reported to deteriorate during the high-temperature firing cycles used for application of porcelain veneer. In this study, thermocycling and surface finishing or cold working were examined for their effects on marginal adaptation of metal ceramic castings. Methods for minimizing the loss of marginal adaptation were evaluated, and casting variables were eliminated by construction of acrylic resin measuring dies directly in the restorations. Thermocycling of metal ceramic restorations resulted in increased marginal openings, and all of the loss of marginal fit occurred during the first thermocycling of the alloy. The restorations that were cold worked and then oxidized by conventional manipulation had substantially more marginal opening than any other group. A fourfold, statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the marginal adaptation of a metal ceramic restoration was observed when the initial thermal cycle was completed before the specimens were finished.