Proper

Abstract

In this study, Pd-Au-Ag based dental metal-ceramic alloys were degassed after casting and then subjected second heat treatment in the dental porcelain furnace. In the final stage of the process, the alloys were then subjected to simulated porcelain firing. The effect that second heat treatment has on the level of hardness maintained during simulated firing were investigated and the following results were produced. The hardness value of the alloy specimen that was second heat-treated after degassing was similar to that of the alloy that had not received second heat treatment showing that the second heat treatment alone did not cause any increase in hardness. In the initial simulated porcelain firing step, it was confirmed that the second heat treatment did not affect any significant change in hardness. However, In a later step of the simulated porcelain firing process the second heat treatment was found to have a positive effect on the alloy hardness.