Dental Alloys Classification and Properties

Study Notes

Dental Alloys

Classification

Noble Alloys: High in gold, platinum, and palladium content (>40%)
Non-Noble Alloys: Lower in gold, platinum, and palladium content (<40%)
Base Metal Alloys: Contain non-precious metals like nickel, chromium, and titanium

Properties

Corrosion Resistance: Ability to resist corrosion in oral environment
Strength: Resistance to deformation and fracture
Ductility: Ability to be shaped without breaking
Hardness: Resistance to scratching and wear
Biocompatibility: Ability to withstand oral tissues without adverse reaction

Types of Dental Alloys

Gold Alloys: High in gold content (>75%), used for inlays, onlays, and crowns
Silver-Palladium Alloys: Used for crowns, bridges, and dentures
Copper Alloys: Used for dentures and orthodontic appliances
Titanium Alloys: Used for implants, crowns, and bridges due to high strength, low density, and biocompatibility
Cobalt-Chromium Alloys: Used for partial dentures, crowns, and bridges due to high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility

Manufacturing Processes

Casting: Melting and pouring alloy into a mold to create a desired shape
Forging: Shaping alloy through heat and pressure
Machining: Cutting and shaping alloy through mechanical means
Welding: Joining two alloy pieces together through heat and pressure

Clinical Applications

Restorative Dentistry: Used for inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges
Prosthodontics: Used for dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported prosthetics
Orthodontics: Used for orthodontic appliances and brackets
Implantology: Used for dental implants and implant-supported prosthetics

Description

Learn about the classification, properties, and types of dental alloys, including their manufacturing processes and clinical applications in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and implantology.