In vitro study about the abutment axial wall’s convergence

Abstract Introduction: The total convergence of the axial walls is the angle made between the opposing axial walls of an abutment. The lower the taper value, the better the retention of the crowns is. Obtaining a proper convergence of the axial wall is a challenge for dental practitioners due to limited access and low visibility, but it also greatly depends on the clinician’s practical skills. This study aims to compare the total convergence of axial walls obtained after tooth preparation done by different experience practitioners in various positions of the patient and different working time (different days of the week, various parts of the day). Materials and methods: To perform this study, 40 acrylate model teeth have been prepared by two last year dental students and two prosthetists. All of them performed two teeth preparations per day in every working day of a week. All the prepared teeth have been photographed, and digitally measured. Results: The extremely statistically significant difference was found in the two beginners’ case, the values of the second beginner being much higher, as in the two experienced operators, where the values are higher for the second prosthetist. Conclusion: The total convergence of the axial wall did not depend on the operators’ experience or education level.