'Electroplating' in Dentistry- An Aphoristic Review.

ABSTRACT

Electroplating, also known as electrodeposition, is a specialized dental method used to make precise, abrasion-resistant metal dies from dental imprints for use in prosthodontics.  This procedure uses electrolysis to put a thin layer of metal (usually copper or silver) on a metallized impression. This makes strong dies that may be used to make crowns and bridges.  Recent progress includes pulsed electrodeposition, non-toxic electrolytes, and hybrid integration with CAD-CAM and 3D printing, which improve biocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics.  Comparative tests show that electroplated dies are more accurate and more resistant to wear than regular gypsum dies. However, they take longer to make and need special tools.  Some imprint materials don't work with them, and cyanide-based solutions are dangerous, which are two of their limits.  Electroplating is still useful for dental laboratories that need to be very precise, and new technologies are making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Keywords: Electroplating, Electrodeposition, Dental dies, Copper plating, Silver plating, 3D printing, Prosthodontics.