Cobalt-chromium alloys in fixed prosthodontics in Sweden

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compile the usage of Co-Cr alloys in fixed prosthodontics (FP) among dental laboratories in Sweden.

Methods: From March to October 2015, questionnaires were sent to 542 registered dental laboratories in Sweden. The questionnaires were divided in two parts, one for fixed dental-supported prosthodontics (FDP) and one for fixed implant-supported prosthodontics (FIP). Reminders were sent three times.

Results: In total of 542 dental laboratories, 55% answered the questionnaires. Most dental laboratories use Co-Cr in FP, 134 (74%) in FDP and 89(66%) in FIP. The laboratories used Co-Cr alloys of various compositions in the prostheses, 35 for FDP and 30 for FIP. The most commonly used Co-Cr alloys for tooth-supported FDPs were (a) Wirobond^® 280, (b) Cara SLM and (c) Wirobond^® C. For implant-supported frameworks the frequently used alloys were: (a) Cara SLM, (b) Cara Milled and (c) Wirobond^® 280. Except for the difference in composition of these alloys, they were also manufactured with various techniques. In tooth-supported prostheses the dominating technique was the cast technique while newer techniques as laser-sintering and milling were more commonly reported for implant-supported constructions. A fourth technique; the ‘pre-state’ milling was reported in FDP.

Conclusion: More than 30 different Co-Cr alloys were reported as being used in FP. Thus, there is a need for studies exploring the mechanical and physical behavior and the biological response to the most commonly used Co-Cr alloys.

Keywords:

• Prosthodontics
• cobalt-chromium survey
• dental technician

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all dental laboratories who participated in this survey and the Swedish Association of Dental Technicians for their valuable help in highlighting the survey on their web-site.

The present study has been supported by Futurum – the Academy for health and care, Region JönkÖping County, Sweden, the Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Research Foundation, Sweden, the Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation, Sweden and the Sylvan Foundation, Sweden.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Futurum

Jönköping County Council

Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Research Foundation

Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation10.13039/501100003744

Sylvan FoundationFuturum–the Academy for health and care, Jönköping County Council, SwedenThe Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation, SwedenThe Sylvan Foundation, Sweden

The present study has been supported by Futurum – the Academy for health and care, Region Jönköping County, Sweden, the Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Research Foundation, Sweden, the Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation, Sweden and the Sylvan Foundation, Sweden.