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Captek / Gramm Electroforming

Recommended Preparations

Chamfer preparation with edges rounded off (round shoulder preparation) (The wall thickness of the electroformed framework is approx 0.2mm, the porcelain facing will require at least 1mm.)	For gold electroforming restorations, the general preparation rules for metal ceramics apply, i.e. the ceramist will need at least 1mm. depth for the facing. Practice has shown that the most likely preparation technique for GES crowns is the chamfer preparation with edges rounded off (round shoulder preparation). Thus, the porcelain is supported by the shoulder. However, please note that the tooth has to be prepared according to its anatomical shape. Take care to avoid sharp edges as well as excessively cone-shaped preparations. Rough surfaces and irregular preparations will not deliver accurate electroforming results. In case the final finishing (smoothening) of the preparation proves to be excessively difficult, or for some reason undesirable, consult with your dental technician for die surface alteration techniques. The most desirable internal divergence for inlay preparations is an angle of aprox. 6 degrees. Wider angels will affect the stability of the inlay. A 2mm isthmus is sufficient.
Anatomical preparation of the posteriors (side view) Chamfer preparation with parallel sides, no sharp edges or undercuts. For crown preparation of the anterior tooth follow its anatomical shape.	Chamfer preparation for metal margins
Inlay Preparation
Straight wall preparation with an inside chamfer (Do not prepare a feather edge margin. Design the cavity with internal angles of 6 degrees. The wall thickness of the electroformed framework is approx. 0.2mm.)

Cementation of Electroformed Restorations

Try-in prior to cementation The perfect fit of GES restorations often forces the dental-care provider to use sharp instruments like probes to remove the electroformed item once it is placed which might cause scratches or damage the margin. Therefore, if you insist on a metal try-in, have a custom-made removal jig made by your lab for safely removing the restoration.	Zinc Phosphate Cements The most important requirements to a GES seating material are a thin luting layer and proven biocompatibility which are perfectly met by the zinc phosphate cements. However, in order to develop its well-tested advantages as there are homogeneous consistence of the cement mixture, high compressive strength, little solubility, and controlled setting time, some notes must be taken into consideration. Cooling down your mixing slab 50 5-10 degrees C will delay the chemical reaction giving a longer cementation period by abducting the setting heat. Please ensure that both liquid and powder containers are closed immediately after use. The liquid must be mixed immediately after placing it onto the slab. In a damp atmosphere, water absorption will occur causing an acceleration of the chemical reaction due to the increased acid presence. The solubility as well as the compressive strength depend on the amount of powder added to the liquid. The powder-liquid ratio must be accurate: 12 drops of liquid require 1g of powder which is about one heaped mixing spatula. 3-4 drops of liquid are necessary per crown. A mixture with less than 3 drops is difficult to manage. The measured amount of powder for the mixing procedure should be divided into 5-6 portions: e.g. 1/16 - 1/16 - 1/8 - 1/4 - 1/4. The first portion of powder (1/16) must be leveled (over at least half of the approx. 150 x 75mm mixing slab) with the liquid in straight lines. As a result, the first neutralization of the acid as well as a reduction of the setting heat is achieved. Let sit for at least 20s, then add second portion of powder (1/16). The next portions are added in intervals of 10s. Each powder portion must be mixed flatly and homogeneously. To achieve the exact consistency desired, the last portion of the powder should be divided accordingly. The complete mixing time takes about 1.5 to 2 min. The consistency of the final cement mixture can be tested by lifting it off the glass slab by the spatula to a height of approx. 1.5 - 2cm while building a strand.
	Glass lonomer Cements Besides the well-documented zinc phosphate cements, also glass ionomers might be used to cement GES restorations. Please compare the manufacturer's indications regarding the particle size used-most likely is the smallest size. Glass ionomer cement delivered in capsules must be mixed exactly to the manufacturer's instructions.

Total assessment of different single crowns and filling materials
Source: Wirz, J.
Biologic restoraions in "Galvanoprothetik - neue Wege zum biologischen Zahnersatz"
(Electroformed prostheses - New Ways to Biologic Restorations)
Pages 13-43
Quintessence Publishing 1998

	Space required	Fitting precision	Cement-ability	Biocompatibility (crown)	Biocompatibility (cementation material)	Esthetics	Maufacturing costs	Long term prognosis	Points	Rank
Full-metal cast crown	+++	++	+++	++	+++	(.)	+++	+++	18	3
Composite-faced crown	++	++	+++	++	+++	++	++	++	18	3
Metal-ceramic crown	++	++	+++	++	+++	++	++	+++	19	2
Electroformed crown	+++	+++	+++	+++	+++	+++	++	++	22	1
Empress crown	+	++	++	+++	++	+++	+	++	`6	4
In-Ceram crown	+	++	+++	+++	+++	+++	+	++	18	3
Procera crown	++	+	++	+++	+++	++	+	++	`6	4

 

	Esthetics	Fitting precision	Biocompatibility (restoration	Biocompatibility (cementation material)	Manufacturing costs	Durability	Co-efficient of expansion	Heat conductivity	Points	Rank
Amalgam filling		+++	++	++	+++	++	+++	+	16	4
Composite filling	++	++	+	+	+++	+	+	+++	`4	5
Cast gold restoration	++	+++	+++	+	+++	+++	+	19	2
Cast titamium restoration	+	++(+)	+++	+++	+	+++	+++	+++	`9	2
Electroformed inlay	++	+++	+++	+++	+	+++	+++	==	20	1
Ceramic inlay (fired)	+++	++	+++	+	+	++	++	+++	17	3
Ceramic inlay (milled)	+++	+	+++	+	++	++	+++	17	3

Pure 24-carat gold is the basis of the GES Gold Electroforming System. Electroforming (or galvano) is an electrochemical process for manufacturing self-bearing metal frameworks. The proven GAMMATŪ technique refines pure gold out of the non-toxic gold solution ECOLYT. Highest degree of biocompatibility, easy handling, and economical material consumption are the advantages of the GES technique which lead this system to worldwide acceptance.

Besides their perfect fit, the GES restoration distinguish by the purity of metal: an amount of at least 99% pure gold is guaranteed. And of course, the GES products conform with laws regulating the use of medical products.

The range of applications comprises crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, splints, electroformed denture plates, telescopic cases, as well as implant prostheses.