OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of porcelain firing on the misfit of implantsupported frameworks and analyzed the influence of preheat treatment on the dimensional alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four external-hex cylindrical implants were placed in polyurethane block. Ten frameworks of screw-retained implant-supported prostheses were cast in Pd-Ag using 2 procedures: (1) control group (CG, n = 5): cast in segments and laser welded; and test group (TG, n = 5): cast in segments, preheated, and laser welded. All samples were subjected to firing to simulate porcelain veneering firing. Strain gauges were bonded around the implants, and microstrain values ( = 10 ) were recorded after welding (M1), oxidation cycle (M2), and glaze firing (M3). Data were statistically analyzed (2-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni, = 0.05). RESULTS: The microstrain value in the CG at M3 (475.2 ) was significantly different from the values observed at M1 (355.6 ) and M2 (413.9 )
ABSTRACT (189 WORDS)Objectives: This study investigated the effect of porcelain firing on the misfit of implant-supported