in vivo verification and clinical evaluation

in vivo testing was carried out to check that the results of in vitro tests were valid in the real clinical situation.

The materials that performed best in the laboratory testing were evaluated by clinicians for their usability.

in vivo verification

Precision ruby spheres were attached to a cobalt-chrome plate and placed in the mouth.  The positions of the spheres on the replica model were compared to the positions on the plate itself.  This data was then compared to position errors obtained in vitro.

Analysis showed that the mean of the in vivo data is slightly better, probably because of the material’s hydrophilic properties.

This means we can continue to do testing on the bench and be confident that we know the behaviour in the mouth is similar. 

Clinical evaluation

The best performing materials were given to clinical consultants to assess their performance.  Factors like handling properties and setting time were all rated.

One of the material combinations which performed best in the lab was found to be unusable by all of our clinicians.