Indirect Die Systems

1. Separate or double dies
Solid cast for proximal contacts and occlusion
Single die for wax coping and margins
Die also used for porcelain margins
2. Removable dies
Retained by pins in a **** (stone or plastic)
One die used for proximal contacts, occlusion and margins



Die Materials

1. Epoxy resins
2. Electroplated
3. Ceramic
4. Improved stone
Epoxy resins, electroplated, and ceramic dies are all technique sensitive and expensive. Improved stone is simple and efficient if handled properly.




Requirements of Removable Dies

1. Finish lines complete
2. 0.5 mm tooth structure beyond finish lines
3. Dies are removable individually
4. Dies are stable and accurately related to adjacent and opposing teeth



Create Pin Channels

1. **** of the cast is flat and smooth and parallel to the occlusal plane
2. Cast is 15-20 mm thick from gingival crest to the ****
3. Each segment must have at least 2 pins for stability and to prevent rotation
4. Parallel pin channels at least 5 mm apart







Index the Cast


1. Glue pins with cyanoacrylate cement
Long pin toward facial
Short pin toward lingual
Glue short pins first (better access)
2. Place sleeves on pins (stability of pins)
3. Box and seal cast
4. Apply separating solution (Super-Sep)
Not Alcote or Vaseline
5. Pour second **** with yellow stone




Section & Trim Dies

1. Remove palate or lingual area of cast
2. Mark planned saw cuts with a pencil
2. Create removable segments with a saw
Parallel saw cuts
Each segment individually removable
4. Using microscope, remove gross stone beyond finish line with a #7 lab carbide bur in straight handpiece
5. Finish trimming with scalpel or cleoid-discoid under microscope



Die Trimming

1. Remove most of excess stone with #7 lab carbide bur with protective eyewear
2. Fine trimming with scalpel or cleoid-discoid carver
3. Margin should be sharp and distinct for access, but it should not be undermined
4. Uncut tooth beyond finish line should be maintained to provide proper contours in wax







Blocking Out Irregularities Or Undercuts

1. Undercuts on finish lines are never blocked out
2. Usually blocked out on preparation
3. Can be filled in or blocked out on die
4. Resin used (Zapit) and sprayed with accelerator





Methods Used to Improve the Seating of Cast Restorations

1. Internal carving of wax patterns
2. Internal grinding of castings
3. Aqua Regia etching
4. Electrochemical milling
5. Paint-On die spacer
20-40 microns


Die Preparation

1. Apply die hardener
Cover die beyond finish lines
Allow to set for 5 minutes
2. Apply die spacer
40 micron thickness allows space for cement
2-3 coats placed
Spacer 1 mm from finish line
Remove excess with die setting retardant