Porcelain bond to laser-welded titanium surfaces

Objectives. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if laser-welding titanium had an effect on the bond strength of porcelain to metal. This is an important consideration since the metal copings for many multi-unit porcelain restorations are fabricated as single units and then either soldered or welded. Methods. The bond strength of porcelain to laser-welded titanium was measured with a four-point bending test and the interface was examined using SEM/EDX analysis. Results. The result showed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in bond strengths between laser-welded surfaces and mechanically machined surfaces and neither were there any alterations in composition identified after the welding. The use of a special bonding agent did not improve the bond strength significantly. Significance. Fusing porcelain to laser-welded areas in titanium fixed restorations implies no deterioration of bond strength.