Producing partial dentures that fit comfortably in the patient’s mouth and spread occlusal forces in a physiologic manner is a well-known challenge for dentists and technicians alike. Fortunately, recent advances in laboratory technology have made the production of partial frameworks more accurate, leading to greater patient comfort, shortened seating time and, consequently, a much higher rate of patient acceptance. Key among these advancements is a process called “Selective Laser Melting” (SLM) that combines digital design and 3D printing for a level of predictability that was never before achievable.

The traditional method of framework fabrication for partial dentures utilizes the lost wax casting technique, requiring a physical wax-up, production of a refractory model and high-temperature burnout followed by centrifugal casting. The centrifugal force on the alloy, consisting of metals with different melting temperatures, results in impurities such as burnt particles and gaseous inclusions which increase fragility. After casting, the metal frame is subject to further distortion from the forces required to deflask the framework and the extensive abrasives used in finishing.

The SLM method eliminates the need for a manual wax-up and the creation of a refractory model. Instead, after the initial model is poured and scanned, the data is sent to a CAD designer who designs the framework using custom software.