A castable glass-ceramic pontic for the partial veneer fixed partial denture

Abstract

A technique is presented for fabricating an esthetic, cast glass-ceramic pontic for the partial veneer-retained fixed partial denture. After the framework is waxed to full contour, the pontic is sectioned from the remainder of the wax pattern and cut back on the occlusal, proximal, and lingual aspects. A cast glass-ceramic pontic is then fabricated. The pontic is returned to the master cast to complete the wax pattern for the type IV gold fixed partial denture superstructure. The pontic is fitted and then luted to the gold framework using an adhesive resin cement. The lost wax technique ensures a pontic with precise, anatomic form that restores proper contours and relationships. Additionally, this esthetic and durable pontic for partial veneer fixed partial dentures encourages conservative tooth preparation and promotes restorative materials that minimize wear of the opposing dentition.