Abstract The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of welding techniques on implant-supported prostheses and determine whether they contribute to a better adaptation compared with a one-piece cast. A search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and articles published until November 2017 were obtained from these databases. This review followed the PRISMA criteria and is registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42017081865). The PICO question was “Do welding procedures in one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks influence implant/abutment-framework marginal misfits?” Eleven studies were selected for a qualitative analysis, and seven studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. A total of 189 specimens were fabricated using different materials (cp-Ti, Ni-Cr, Cr-Co, and noble alloys), and welding techniques such as laser welding, conventional welding, tungsten inert gas, and brazing were applied. A vertical marginal misfit was measured using an optical microscope, a stereomicroscope, and/or a scanning electron microscopy. The qualitative analysis in the studies demonstrated a positive effect of the welding techniques on the adaptation of the infrastructures. The meta-analysis confirmed the results (p < 0.00001; MD: -36.14; 95%CI: -48.69 to -23.59). Within the limitations of this study and regarding the heterogeneity of the samples, we conclude that the soldering point technique is effective for obtaining relatively low values of marginal misfit, with laser welding as the most effective technique. However, additional studies were recommended due to the heterogeneity of different variables (alloys, connection, and misfit evaluation) in the included studies.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da variação do diâmetro e dos tipos de conexão na distribuição do estresse no osso cortical para implantes com a proporção coroa-implante. Seis modelos 3D foram simulados com os programas InVesalius, Rhinoceros 3D 4.0 e SolidWorks 2011. Os modelos foram compostos de osso da região mandibular posterior. Foram incluídos implantes de 8,5 mm de comprimento, diâmetro Ø 3,75 mm ou Ø 5,00 mm, e tipos de conexão como hexágono externo (EH), hexágono interno (IH) e cone Morse (MT). Os modelos foram processados usando os programas Femap 11.2 e NeiNastran 11.0 e usando uma força axial de 200 N e força oblíqua de 100 N. Os resultados foram registrados em termos da tensão principal máxima. O carregamento oblíquo mostrou alta tensão no osso cortical em comparação com a carga axial. Os resultados mostraram que os implantes com maior diâmetro apresentaram distribuição de tensões mais favorável, independentemente do tipo de conexão, enquanto que os implantes cone Morse apresentaram melhores distribuição de tensões comparado aos outros tipos de conexão, especialmente no carregamento oblíquo. Assim, os implantes de maior diâmetro foram mais favoráveis para distribuição das tensões na região de tecido ósseo cortical, enquanto que os implantes cone Morse apresentam menores concentrações de tensões do que as outras conexões.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying the diameter, connection type and loading on stress distribution in the cortical bone for implants with a high crown-implant ratio. Six 3D models were simulated with the InVesalius, Rhinoceros 3D 4.0 and SolidWorks 2011 software programs. Models were composed of bone from the posterior mandibular region; they included an implant of 8.5 mm length, diameter Ø 3.75 mm or Ø 5.00 mm and connection types such as external hexagon (EH), internal hexagon (IH) and Morse taper (MT). Models were processed using the Femap 11.2 and NeiNastran 11.0 programs and by using an axial force of 200 N and oblique force of 100 N. Results were recorded in terms of the maximum principal stress. Oblique loading showed high stress in the cortical bone compared to that shown by axial loading. The results showed that implants with a wide diameter showed more favorable stress distribution in the cortical bone region than regular diameter, regardless of the connection type. Morse taper implants showed better stress distribution compared to other connection types, especially in the oblique loading. Thus, oblique loading showed higher stress concentration in cortical bone tissue when compared with axial loading. Wide diameter implant was favorable for improved stress distribution in the cortical bone region, while Morse taper implants showed lower stress concentration than other connections.