A dental laboratory study of the dimensions of metal frameworks for fixed partial dentures.

The purpose of this study was to record the dimensions of the metal substructure of metal ceramic restorations under fabrication in dental laboratories. The dimensions of the joints as well as the metal thickness of the occlusal, buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces of the abutment crowns were measured on 115 fixed partial dentures. The results showed that the greatest dimensions in a vertical direction were found in the anterior region, and in a horizontal direction in the posterior region. The occlusal, buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces of the abutment crowns often showed sub-optimal dimensions.