Department of Prosthodontics - FPD Framework Soldering Index

Individual units are adjusted and fitted to their respective abutment teeth. Fit-Checker is being used to evaluate the internal fit.

The units are placed and the gap between the sections adjusted to approximately 0.005 inch (the thickness of index card stock). The index card should slide easily through the gap.

The surfaces to be soldered are blasted with alumna oxide, rinsed clean, and a thin film of soldering flux (available from Dispensing Window) is applied.

The units are placed on the abutment teeth and indexed by applying Duralay resin. If necessary, the patient may lightly close, on a shortened cotton tip applicator stick, to hold the posterior section - while you hold the anterior section and apply resin.

An assistant is helpful to evacuate the odor and help control the resin during its application.

The resin is allowed to completely polymerize prior to removal of the indexed framework.

The index is inspected for stability, placed in disinfectant, and taken to the Service Laboratory for soldering (allow approximately 50 minutes for the soldering procedure to be completed).

The framework is retrieved from the Service Laboratory and the solder connector inspected.

The framework is tried on the abutment teeth and checked for fit using Fit Checker and the patient's provisional is re-cemented. If not already done, shade for porcelain addition may be selected at this time.

Porcelain has been added to the framework, and the patient is seen for fitting, adjusting occlusion, glazing, polishing, and cementation.

The completed Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) cemented on the patient's abutment teeth.

Connector	Strength	Fit	Fabrication
Cast	Strongest Connector	Can not assess fit of retainers individually	Framework cast in one piece (uni-cast)
Pre-porcelain Soldered		Can assess fit of retainers individually	Framework soldered prior to porcelain addition
Post-porcelain Soldered	Weakest Connector	Can assess fit of retainers individually	Framework soldered after porcelain addition

Virginia Commonwealth University • School of Dentistry • Department of Prosthdontics
521 North 11th Street • PO Box 980-566 • Richmond, Virginia 23298
Phone: (804) 828-0832 • E-mail: cjanus@vcu.edu • Updated: 08/22/2006