WHAT IS CAPTEK ?

Captek is a "composite metal" or otherwise can be referred to as an “internally reinforced gold". It is this nature of the material that enables it to combine the benefits of gold and the benefits of platinum and palladium in the same system. The hard particles of platinum and palladium are arranged like a skeleton or a metal sponge. The gold is drawn in and through that sponge during the fabrication process. The result is a thin gold coping that is internally reinforced with a skeleton of hard, rigid, thermally stable particles. It is designed to support porcelain under tremendous loads and yet have some degree of shock absorbing or vibration resistance. This is the only material of its kind. 

It is NOT a cast alloy.  It is NOT a foil.

HOW STRONG IS CAPTEK?

The nature of the material being a composite metal and the tenacity of the bond add up to tremendous strength potential. This is validated by a research report developed by Dr. Nathanson and others at Boston University 9 years ago. (1995).The study validated the strength potential for anterior and posterior crowns and bridges. Captek crowns and bridges were reported to be at least as strong and resistant to fracture vs. all metal categories (Base, Noble and High Noble).

The strength potential is achieved with at least half the metal thickness than traditional PFMs. So even though the composite metal is relatively thin, its’ internally reinforced gold structure properly supports the porcelain.  It is important to point out that normal requirements for crown and bridge application apply. I.e. Retention and resistance form to preparations and normal occlusal clearance. 

WHAT KIND OF ESTHETICS CAN I EXPECT FROM A CAPTEK RESTORATION?

The system is non-oxidizing, meaning it does not corrode in any way. Thus there is no darkening or tattooing around the soft tissue that occurs with the traditional PFM.  No oxides also means that there is no dark background the can disturb the optical qualities of the porcelain. In fact, the structure and color of Captek is designed to mimic the color influence of vital tooth structures. No oxides and a warm gold color mean less opaque, 75% less opaque than necessary to cover a traditional alloy. 

Obviously if the color of the coping is warm and the surface topography is designed to refract light in a similar fashion to natural tooth structure, the potential for esthetics is tremendous. This potential even realized right down to the margin edge. In fact, in many cases the clinician needs color control down under the tissue, the influence of Captek helps illuminate the tissues and create not only a better shaded crown but better tissue colors. This was validated by a recent study at Harvard in conjunction with Boston University. They measure the color match of the tissue surrounding various restorations and even two very popular all metal free systems. Captek supported the closest tissue color match to the tissue surrounding the adjacent tissue surrounding the natural tooth structure. This creates less need for porcelain margins.

Capteks’ thin yet strong structure, combined with less opaque, combined with better supporting color, combined with no-oxides, adds up to more room for porcelain and better quality porcelain firing. This is a huge advantage where conservative preparation is indicated and/or preferred.

WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION AND CEMENTATION DOES A CAPTEK RESTORATON REQUIRE?

The preparation requirements for Captek are the same as a standard PFM within the normal requirements for retention and resistance. For example, keep axial wall inclinations from angles greater than 25º and maintain a wall height of 3mm for anteriors and 4mm for posteriors. If this is not possible, make sure to decrease the angle of taper and add retention grooves or build up the crown to accommodate proper form. Prepare normal occulsal clearance (2mm anterior incisal edge/ 1.5 to 2mm posterior). A preparation guide is available. It is linked from the Captek Product page on this site.

Captek has no special margin preparation requirements. A chamfer, shoulder, beveled and even a knife-edge can be utilized.  The marginal fit study as presented by the Boston University indicated the Captek restorations have an excellent fit (14.5-17.5 microns) and a significantly smaller marginal opening than the conventional metal-ceramic restorations. 

Captek does not require any special cementation products.  Whatever the doctor is comfortable using for his/her PFM’s, as long as the cement protocol is followed. The University of California compared the shear bond strength of various cements on cast gold and Captek specimens. There was no significant difference.

WHAT BIOLOGICAL BENEFITS DOES CAPTEK OFFER MY PATIENTS?

Captek is plaque resistant.  It is proven to reduce sulcular bacteria levels by 71% versus natural healthy tooth structure.  This research was published in the Journal of Periodontal Research by the Forsyth Institute in Boston in May of 2001.  Additional research was done at the University of Minnesota and submitted to the American Academy of Dental Research in March 2003.  The findings supported the premise that the unique structure of the gold composite (Captek) was a factor in plaque resistance.

The plaque resistance of Captek alone may be the single most important factor in prescribing Captek for your patients for their periodontal health for both healthy and compromised tissue. 

CAN I USE CAPTEK FOR BRIDGES?

Captek is an excellent bridge material. It was originally developed for this purpose. When a posterior bridge has more than one pontic, measure the space between the abutments.  If the space is more than 15mm, check the case for good vertical clearance, occlusal to margin space, and that the patient has a good bite.  If the case is ideal, you can fill a space up to approximately 20mm.  It is not recommended for a cantilever pontic.

The University of Minnesota strength study on the Captek bridge connection indicated it was able to resist fracture under load of 528 lbs (very high) and had no fatigue failure applying 1.2 million cycles of 75lb pressure. 

All referenced studies are available from Captek-Precious Metals Inc. 1-800-921-2227