Welding in the dental office by fiber delivered laser: a new technique.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ability of dentists to weld different metals during daily practice using a fiber-delivered laser normally used for dental surgery, and to evaluate the possibilities offered by this new technique. BACKGROUND DATA: Laser welding is a common technique that has long been used in dental technician laboratories. It has many advantages over conventional techniques: it may be applied directly to master casts, and it avoids damage to the acrylic or ceramic portions close to the welded area. In addition, it may be applied on different types of metallic alloys, and it may provide a stronger attachment than other more traditional techniques. The cost, size, and limited flexibility of laser transmission systems using fixed lenses have restricted their use to dental technician laboratories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors detail their experience with welding using an Nd:YAG fiberoptic-delivered laser that is normally used for dental therapy. RESULTS: This work describes some clinical cases that demonstrate the ease of use of this technique to weld broken appliances for both prosthetic and orthodontic therapy. CONCLUSION: Dentists using this technique can carry out immediate restoration of metallic fixed, removable, and orthodontic broken prostheses in their own offices, thus reducing the time needed for such repairs.