Metal Alloys in Dentistry: An Outdated Material or Required for Oral Rehabilitation?

Abstract

The present study aims to describe through a literature review, the main types of noble and non-noble alloys in dentistry looking to identify the adhesion mechanisms, compositions and mechanical properties, and its applicability as a rehabilitation resource nowadays. A bibliographic search was conducted in the main health databases PUBMED (www.pubmed.gov) and Scholar Google (www.scholar.google.com.br), in which studies published from 1971 to 2021 were collected. Laboratory studies, case reports, systematic and literature reviews, which were developed in living individuals. Articles that did not deal with metal alloys and its use in dentistry were excluded. Through the review, it was possible to verify that all works presented the metal alloys and their main properties, indicating that they are divided into three main types: high noble alloys, noble alloys and base metal alloys differing in their levels of constituent noble metals. Several alloys and metals are available for the dental market each presenting advantages and disadvantages, mainly based on its specific composition.Continuous research and development are resulting in the production of new technologies and products, giving dental surgeons even more options in the design and manufacture of restorations using metal alloys and understanding that these resources will still be viable alternatives in oral rehabilitations. However, further studies on metal alloys are needed to better understand this subject.

Biomechanical Behavior of Different Miniplate Designs for Skeletal Anchorage in the Anterior Open Bite Treatment

“…Young Modulus (GPa) Poisson Ratio Y-TZP [15] 220 0.30 Titanium [16] 110 0.30 Nitinol [18] 52 0.30 Stainless steel [19] 200 0.25 Cortical bone [20] 13.7 0.30 Cancellous bone [20] 1.37 0.30 Oral mucosa [21] 10 0.40 Periodontal ligament [21] 0.0118 0.45…”

“…All materials were considered to be isotropic, linearly elastic, and homogeneous. The properties of the materials used in this study were obtained from the literature (Table 1) [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Each miniplate was positioned in the virtual maxilla so that the hook to which the force would be applied was projected in the oral cavity at a distance of approximately 8 mm from the orthodontic arch.…”

“…All materials were considered to be isotropic, linearly elastic, and homogeneous. The properties of the materials used in this study were obtained from the literature (Table 1) [15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

Survey and Challenges of Dental Metallic Materials

“…In 1927, four categories of gold alloys were identified based on dental function, with hardness (VHN) increasing from Type I to Type IV (de Matos, et al, 2021, Anusavice, 2013, Asakura, 2012 Table 5. In 1989, the ADA's Specification No.…”

“…In 1989, the ADA's Specification No. 5 classified the four alloy types, as well as the fifth type, based on their qualities rather than their compositions, as shown in Table 5 (de Matos, et al, 2021). Since 1989, any composition may be used in ADA-approved casting alloys as long as it passes the tests for toxicity, tarnish, yield strength, and percentage of elongation.…”