Abstract
Aim: The objective of this article is to review information on laser welding of dental alloys. Its rationale, design, advantages, and disadvantages have been reviewed and compared with the conventional techniques of joining dental alloys. Its effects on the commonly used dental alloys and its associated welding defects have also been discussed.Materials and Methods: A broad search of the published literature was performed using Medline and pub med from 1960 to 2012. The key words used for the search were ‘laser welding’, ‘dental alloys’, ‘laser parameters’, ‘welding principle’ and ‘welding procedure’. It was observed that much of the research work was done from the year 2000 onwards. A hand search of textbooks, relevant articles, and manufacturers’ literature was also conducted.Results: Within the limitations of the information obtained and systematically reviewed, it can be inferred that laser beam welding definitely outwits the conventional procedures of joining dental alloys. High precision, accuracy and productivity, reduced distortion, high mechanical strength of the weld joint, corrosion resistant weld joint are a few advantages of laser beam welding technique. The main drawback of laser welding includes its high investment, operating and maintenance costs. To overcome the minor drawbacks of laser welding, TIG welding has been introduced. It involves reduced investment costs, very compact dimensions, low weight, maintenance free and low operating costs.Conclusion: A number of techniques are available for joining dental alloys; each having its own pros and cons. Laser welding still remains the recommended technique due to its precision and accuracy. Continuing research and development are resulting in newer technologies that can overcome the drawbacks of previous techniques. This will provide clinicians and technicians more options in the realm of adequate training and operator expertise.
Highlights
Laser technology isone such technological advancement that has replaced the conventional clinical, surgical and technical procedures
The first laser device was invented by Theodre Maimann in 1960, and its first laboratory test was conducted by Gordon and Smith in 19702.The various methods of joining dental alloys or metal structures include soldering, resistance welding, plasma welding, laser welding and single pulse tungsten inert gas welding
The key words used for the search were ‘laser welding’, ‘dental alloys’, ‘laser parameters’, ‘welding principle’ and ‘welding procedure’
Summary
Laser technology isone such technological advancement that has replaced the conventional clinical, surgical and technical procedures. Itrequires multiple preparation steps to modify or repair prosthesis, with each step a source of distortion or misfit[1] It requires a third low fusing alloy (solder) with a different chemical composition and a melting point lower than the parent alloy. Laser welding joint has a homogenous structure with a high mechanical strength, consistent with that of the parent alloy. PRINCIPLE OF LASER WELDING: The energy from a laser beam consists of a spot of stimulated and amplified ‘light’ radiation based on the reflection or mirror principle. This ‘light’ generated from the laser head is responsible for melting the alloy.
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