ISSN :0975-8437
TECHNICAL NOTE
Simple and precise dowel pin positioning technique
Sumant Kumar Singh, Saumyendra Vikram Singh, Habib Ahmad Alvi, Pooran Chand, Raghuwar Dayal Singh
ABSTRACT
Thedowel pins are used as a means of orienting diesto themaster cast. This technical note describes simple and pre-
cise method of positioning dowel pins which provides enough stability to facilitate comfortable cast pouring.
Keywords: Dowel pins; Dies; Cast; Die location and stabilisation
Introduction
Dies that can be removed from the working cast are con-
venient to use because a wax pattern or coping need not
be removed from the respective die when transferred to the
working cast. This is even more crucial in case of ceramic res-
torations, as the unfired material is quite fragile. There are sev-
eral such die systems available like Brass dowel pins, Pindex
(Whaledent), Di-Lok (DentiFax/Di-Equi), DVA Model system
and Zeiser (Girrbach). Precise relocation of the die in the de-
finitive cast is crucial to the removable die system success and
is most commonly accomplished with brass pin or dowels for
reasons of availability, economy and ease of use.1
Thedie pins are used as a means of orienting diesto themas-
ter cast.2 It is evident that these dowel pins must be positioned
and stabilized before pouring the die material. The dowel pin
must be held in position with the head inside the preparation
portion of the impression. Many methods have been used for
securing this position. These include use of positioners such
as needles and pins, paper clips, bobby pins, wax wafers, and
matches.3 However, these techniques have disadvantages: the
position of dowel pin is more difficult to stabilize with relation
to facial and lingual margins of the preparation, gauging the
depth of the dowel pin in the die stone is difficult; as is en-
suring parallelism when the preparations are adjacent to each
other. Stabilisation of such positioners during pouring of the
cast is also a challenge. If positioned inaccurately, the dowel
pins may impinge on the margins, weaken the die, or prevent
it from being easily removed from the cast.4 The following
method of positioning dowel pins is simple, precise and pro-
vides enough stability to facilitate comfortable cast pouring.
This technical note describes simple and precise method of
positioning dowel pins which provides enough stability to fa-
cilitate comfortable cast pouring.
Technical Note
Take two 19 gauge straight orthodontic stainless steel wires
approximately 6-7 cm long. With the help of orthodontic pliers
make a pin head on one end of each wire. Now bend both the
wires from the pin heads in the same plane at a450 to 600 angle
(Figure1). Take a 4-5 cm piece of an empty and clear used ball
point pen plastic refill (dia 1.0-0.8mm). Insert the pin heads of
both wires in one end of the ball pen refill in one plane (Figure
2). Ensure that both pin heads are well engaged and not easily
removed from the refill. Now insert the tail end of dowel pin
(Brass dowel pins 2#:3.022) in the other end of refill (Figure
3). Insert the free wire ends of dowel pin positioner assem-
bly into non strategic zones of the impression. Makerequired
adjustments to achieve desired position of dowel pin in the
prepared tooth impression by cutting or bending the wires or
I N T E R N AT I O N A L J O U R N A L O F D E N TA L C L I N I C S
altering their penetration depth (Figure 4,5). Ensure that the
assembly is stable to prevent movement of dowel pin during
tapping or pouring the cast on vibrator. Now make the first
pour with a thin mix of die stone. The knurled end of the dow-
el pin should be covered completely within this pour (Figure
6). After the first pour has set adequately, remove the position-
er assembly from the dowel pin. Pour the second part of the
cast conventionally (Figure 7,8).
Discussion
Pindex, DVA Model system, Di Lok and Zeiser techniques re-
quire special equipments, are technique sensitive and time
consuming. Individual dowel pin placement accomplished
with bobby pins, match sticks, paper clips and sticky wax are
arbitrary methods and difficult to master.3 A dowel pin stabi-
liser described in this technique, is extremely fast, economical
and simple to make, utilising universally available materials in
the dental office-orthodontic wire and used ball point pen re-
fills. This method of die positioning may be more precise and
stable at the time of pouring the cast. The assembly is easy
to make and master, requires no specialised equipments, eco-
nomical and time saving.
Conclusion
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In conclusion the dowel pin stabiliser is described which is ex-
2012 Volume 4 Issue 4
tremely fast, economical and simple to make, utilising univer-
sally available materials in the dental office- orthodontic wire
and used ball point pen refills and provides enough stability to
facilitate comfortable cast pouring.
Authors Affiliations
1. Sumant Kumar Singh BDS, Junior Resident, Department
of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Chhatrapati
Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh,
India, 2. Saumyendra V. Singh MDS, Assistant Professor, De-
partment of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ch-
hatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar
Pradesh, India, 3. Habib Ahmad Alvi MDS, Professor and Head,
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences,
Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, Ut-
tar Pradesh, India, 4. Pooran Chand MDS, Associate Professor,
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Singh et al

Figure 1. Pin head wires with 450-600 bend, Figure 2. Pin heads engaged in plastic refill piece, Figure 3. Positioner with dowel pin in other end, Figure 4.
Positioner assembly in anterior maxillary impression area, Figure 5. Positioner assembly in posterior mandibular impression area, Figure 6. Dowel pin
in position in the first pour, Figure 7. Properly positioned dowel pin in removable die, Figure 8. Properly paralleled multiple dowel pins.

Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ch- How to cite this artice
hatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Singh SK, Singh SV, Alvi HA, Chand P, Singh RD. Simple and precise
Pradesh, India, 5. Raghuwar Dayal Sing, MDS, Assistant Profes- dowel pin positioning technique.Int. J. Dent.Clinics. 2012;4(4):69-
sor, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Scienc- 70.
es, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Address for Correspondence
2012 Volume 4 Issue 4

References
1. Rosenstiel SF, Martin F, Fujimoto J. Contemporary fixed pros- Dr. Saumyendra Vikram Singh MDS,
thdontics: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2006. Assistant Professor,
Department of Prosthodontics,
2. Chandra S, Chandra S, Chandra C. Textbook of operative Faculty of Dental Sciences,
dentistry: with MCQs: Jaypee Brothers Publishers; 2007. Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3. Balshi TJ, Mingledorff EB. Matches, clips, needles, or pins. Email: saumyendravsingh@rediffmail.com
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 1975;34(4):467-72.

4. Shillingburg HT, Hobo S, Whitsett LD, Jacobi R, Brackett SE.

Fundamentals of fixed prosthodontics: Wiley Online Library;
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1997.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L J O U R N A L O F D E N TA L C L I N I C S

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None Declared

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