Alloys in FPD
Alloys in FPD
Alloys in FPD
Alloys are used in fixed prosthodontics for crown, bridge, coping and framework fabrication.
These materials are selected on the basis of their reaction in the oral cavity and their mechanical
properties.
Alloys are a combination of two or more metals in molten metal. Single metals are not used clinically
because the properties are not conducive for the physical, chemical and mechanical challenges
provided by the oral environment.
According to GPT “alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or metalloids that are mutually soluble in
the molten state; distinguished as binary, ternary, quaternary, etc., depending on the number of metals
within the mixture; alloying elements are added to alter the hardness, strength, and toughness of a
metallic element, thus obtaining properties not found in a pure metal; alloys may also be classified on
the basis of their behavior when solidified.
1) Biological
2) Functional
3) Working
Exhibit biocompatibility
Ease of melting
Ease of casting
Ease of Brazing and soldering
Ease of Polishing
Little solidification shrinkage
Types:
Nickel Chromium alloy
Composition:
1. Nickel: 70-80%
2. Chromium: 12-20%
1. Molybdenum: 3-6%
2. Silicon and Manganese
3. Aluminium: 2-6%
4. Beryllium: 0.5%
Composition:
1. Cobalt: 35-65%
2. Chromium: 28-30%
3. Nickel: 0-30%
1. Molybdenum: 3-6%
2. Silicon and Manganese
3. Carbon: 0.2%
Titanium alloys
Composition:
1. Titanium alloy
2. Chromium – 5-15%
3. Nickel 5-15%
4. Molybdenum 3%
5. Silicon, Manganese, iron, carbon
However, nickel is allergic. Affecting more on females than males like swelling or gingival
discoloration.
Chromium: Tarnish & corrosion resistance increases by passive layer (an oxide layer that is thin,
uniform, non porous, adherent and transparent.
Molybdenum: Grain refiner
Carbon: 0.2% as discontinuous precipitate in the grain boundaries. It affects the hardness, strength
and ductility. Too much carbon will make alloy brittle.
Aluminium: Increases tensile and yield strength. It reacts with nickel forming intermetallic
compound which precipitates inside the solid solution alloy -> precipitation hardening
– To improve cast-ability
Beryllium: Decreases the melting temperature (note: beryllium vapor is carcinogenic and may lead to
fibrosis of the lung
a. Beryllium – added to alloys to control oxide formation ---- is a carcinogen --- hazardous to
laboratory personnel
b. Nickel – approx.. 5% of population is sensitive to nckel---- contact dermatitis from nickel
containing prosthesis appears to be a risk to some patient
c. Nickel-chromium-beryllium alloys- are significantly more susceptible to tooth brush abrasion
than any other casting alloys used in dentistry.
d. Silver-containing alloys- potential of porcelain discoloration, commonly described as
greening.
CONCLUSION
With so many materials and newer ones coming up, the dentist should have in-depth knowledge about
alloys; their properties; composition of the indicated alloy.