Fit of metal-ceramic crowns: effect of coping fabrication method and veneering ceramic application

Aim: To evaluate the influence of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) coping fabrication methods and ceramic application on the marginal and internal fit of metal-ceramic crowns. Methods: Co-Cr copings for metal-ceramic crowns were prepared by lost wax casting or CAD-CAM machining of sintered blocks. The fit was analyzed using the silicone replica technique at four assessment points: marginal gap (MG), axial wall (AW), axio-occlusal (AO) angle, and central occlusal (CO) wall. After the initial analysis, the copings were ceramic-veneered with the layering technique, and the fit was again determined. Data were statistically analyzed by paired and unpaired Student’s-t test (α=0.05). Results: Marginal and internal fit before ceramic application according to the coping manufacturing method showed significant differences only at CO (p < 0.001), with milled copings (137.98±16.71 μm) showing higher gap values than cast copings (112.86±8.57 μm). For cast copings, there were significant differences at MG (before 109.13±8.79 μm; after 102.78±7.18 μm) and CO (before 112.86±8.57 μm; after 104.07±10.63 μm) when comparing the fit before and after ceramic firing. For milled copings, there was significant difference only at AO (before 116.39±9.64 μm; after 108.54±9.26 μm). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the coping fabrication method influenced the internal fit. Ceramic firing maintained or improved the fit of the metal-ceramic crowns. The marginal discrepancy of all restorations, before and after ceramic firing, can be considered clinically acceptable.