Physico-mechanical properties and prosthodontic applications of Co-Cr dental alloys: a review of the literature

Abstract

Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) alloys are classified as predominantly base-metal alloys and are widely known for their biomedical applications in the orthopedic and dental fields. In dentistry, Co-Cr alloys are commonly used for the fabrication of metallic frameworks of removable partial dentures and recently have been used as metallic substructures for the fabrication of porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations and implant frameworks. The increased worldwide interest in utilizing Co-Cr alloys for dental applications is related to their low cost and adequate physico-mechanical properties. Additionally, among base-metal alloys, Co-Cr alloys are used more frequently in many countries to replace Nickel-Chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys. This is mainly due to the increased concern regarding the toxic effects of Ni on the human body when alloys containing Ni are exposed to the oral cavity. This review article describes dental applications, metallurgical characterization, and physico-mechanical properties of Co-Cr alloys and also addresses their clinical and laboratory behavior in relation to those properties.

Experimental issues at ultrasonically aided micro-EDM of CoCr alloys

“…High stiffness, high surface quality, extremely wear-resistant and corrosion resistant in lactic acid and sodium chloride and also biocompatibility [1,2] recommend their use in medical applications as material for knee implants, metal-to-metal hip joints, fixation devices for fractured bones, and dental prosthetics. Under these conditions, fractures should be attributed generally to incorrectly designed clasps, or to stress concentration areas, and not to material mechanical characteristics [1].…”

Some aspects of finite element modelling of ultrasonically aided micro-EDM of CoCr alloys

“…The mechanical properties of CoCr alloys, extremely wear resistant and also at corrosion, and biocompatibility as well, recommend their use in medical applications, injection molding and engine components [1,2]. The stellite superalloys have similar using areas but also at cutting tools, components for guns etc.…”

“…The C content and existence of carbides play an important part in their functional behavior [3,4]. Conventional casting of CoCr alloys determines existence of metallic carbides, affecting later machining, in comparison with other nonconventional techniques like selective laser melting (SLM) or Electron Beam Melting (EBM) that assures a homogenous structure [1,2].…”

“…About mechanical characteristics of CoCr alloys, necessary for ultrasonic material removal modelling, modulus of elasticity varies between 200 -220 GPa, much higher than other alloys used in medical applications, based on Ti and Au, and ultimate tensile strength is 1300 MPa [1,2,9]. Stellite alloys have higher elasticity modulus at 230 GPa, and ultimate tensile strength at 1195 MPa [3,4], in comparison with CoCr Arcam alloys with 960 MPa [2].…”

A novel coping metal material CoCrCu alloy fabricated by selective laser melting with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties

“…Currently, CoCr based alloys are widely used in prosthodontics due to a combination of favorable properties, including mechanical strength, ductility, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, which makes them broadly applicable in a variety of applications with fixed and removable restorations. CoCr based alloys, based on SLM technology, were recently introduced for manufacturing base metal coping [6,7].…”