Properties of test metal ceramic titanium alloys

Effect of different production techniques on the color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations

In dentistry, the shade selection of the restoration affects the success of the restoration. For this reason, it may be decisive for clinicians to determine whether the difference in framework production influences color in metal-ceramic restorations. The study examined the effects of different framework production techniques used in porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations on color changes. 45 square-shaped samples were manufactured using cast, milling, and laser-sintering techniques. Opaque and dentin porcelain were performed, and all samples were glazed. A spectrophotometer was used for color measurements. Before opaque application, after opaque application, and after porcelain + glaze application, it was obtained L*, a*, and b* values. Color differences (ΔE00) were calculated with the CIEDE2000 formula. ANOVA (Post Hoc: Bonferroni) and Shapiro Wilks (Normality) tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). At the different laboratory steps, the difference between cast&laser-sintered groups and between milled&laser-sintered groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Before and after opaque application, the differences in L*, a*, and b* values between cast, milled, and laser-sintered groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Different framework production methods influenced the color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations.

Description of Poly(aryl-ether-ketone) Materials (PAEKs), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) for Application as a Dental Material: A Materials Science Review

Poly(aryl-ether-ketone) materials (PAEKs), a class of high-performance polymers comprised of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), have attracted interest in standard dental procedures due to their inherent characteristics in terms of mechanical and biological properties. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a restorative dental material widely used for prosthetic frameworks due to its superior physical, mechanical, aesthetic, and handling features. Meanwhile, polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic embraced in the additive manufacturing market. In the present review study, a new way to fabricate high-performance polymers, particularly PEEK and PEKK, is demonstrated using additive manufacturing digital dental technology, or 3-dimensional (3D) printing. The focus in this literature review will encompass an investigation of the chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of HPPs, particularly PEEK and PEKK, along with their application particularly in dentistry. High-performance polymers have gained popularity in denture prosthesis in advance dentistry due to their flexibility in terms of manufacturing and the growing interest in utilizing additive manufacturing in denture fabrication. Further, this review also explores the literature regarding the properties of high-performance polymers (HPP) compared to previous reported polymers in terms of the dental material along with the current advancement of the digital designing and manufacturing.

Effect of chemical surface treatment of titanium on its bond with dental ceramics

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Airborne-particle abrasion of titanium is a clinically accepted method of surface preparation. As a side effect of airborne-particle abrasion, particles of the abrasive material get embedded into the surface. How particle presence or removal from the titanium surface affects the strength of the titanium-ceramic bond is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of removing Al₂O₃ particles embedded into the surface by means of chemical surface treatment on the strength of the titanium-ceramic bond.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Titanium (TritanCpTi 1, Dentaurum, 99.5% Ti) disks were airborne-particle abraded with 110 μm Al₂O₃ at a pressure of 0.4 MPa and an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The surface was etched chemically using 1 of 8 reagents, and the veneering ceramic applied and fired. The strength of the metal-ceramic bond was determined using the shear strength test. Further, the effect of thermal fatigue on the bond strength was evaluated. The results were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test (α=.05). Fractographic investigations and microscopic tests were also performed to determine the quality of the titanium-ceramic bond.

RESULTS

Effective etching of the titanium surface and removal of Al₂O₃ particles included a 30% water solution of HNO₃ + 3% HF, a mixture of HNO₃ + HF + glycerin, a 4% solution of HF in H₂O₂, and a 4% solution of HF in H₂O. A statistically significant difference (of about 50%) in bond strength was found between the groups subjected to chemical etching and the control group (P<.05). Additionally, a statistically significant difference (about 25%) was found after thermocycling (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Removing the Al₂O₃ particles embedded into the titanium surface after airborne-particle abrasion lowers the strength of the titanium-ceramic bond (P<.05). Thermocycling also weakens the strength of the titanium-ceramic bond, regardless of the surface preparation (P<.05).

Metal-ceramic bond strength between a feldspathic porcelain and a Co-Cr alloy fabricated with Direct Metal Laser Sintering technique

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to record the metal-ceramic bond strength of a feldspathic dental porcelain and a Co-Cr alloy, using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering technique (DMLS) for the fabrication of metal substrates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten metal substrates were fabricated with powder of a dental Co-Cr alloy using DMLS technique (test group) in dimensions according to ISO 9693. Another ten substrates were fabricated with a casing dental Co-Cr alloy using classic casting technique (control group) for comparison. Another three substrates were fabricated using each technique to record the Modulus of Elasticity (E) of the used alloys. All substrates were examined to record external and internal porosity. Feldspathic porcelain was applied on the substrates. Specimens were tested using the three-point bending test. The failure mode was determined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The statistical analysis was performed using t-test.

RESULTS

Substrates prepared using DMLS technique did not show internal porosity as compared to those produced using the casting technique. The E of control and test group was 222 ± 5.13 GPa and 227 ± 3 GPa, respectively. The bond strength was 51.87 ± 7.50 MPa for test group and 54.60 ± 6.20 MPa for control group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were recorded. The mode of failure was mainly cohesive for all specimens.

CONCLUSION

Specimens produced by the DMLS technique cover the lowest acceptable metal-ceramic bond strength of 25 MPa specified in ISO 9693 and present satisfactory bond strength for clinical use.

PEEK with Reinforced Materials and Modifications for Dental Implant Applications

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline linear polycyclic thermoplastic that has been proposed as a substitute for metals in biomaterials. PEEK can also be applied to dental implant materials as a superstructure, implant abutment, or implant body. This article summarizes the current research on PEEK applications in dental implants, especially for the improvement of PEEK surface and body modifications. Although various benchmark reports on the reinforcement and surface modifications of PEEK are available, few clinical trials using PEEK for dental implant bodies have been published. Controlled clinical trials, especially for the use of PEEK in implant abutment and implant bodies, are necessary.

High-Performance Polymers and Their Potential Application as Medical and Oral Implant Materials: A Review

PURPOSE

To review the literature on high-performance polymeric (HPP) materials used as medical and oral implants and make comparisons with the commonly used titanium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Original scientific articles published in English in MEDLINE (PubMed-NCBI) and Picarta literature databases between January 01, 1995 and June 01, 2013 were included in this review. Additional information was derived from scientific reports, medical and chemical textbooks, handbooks, product information, manufacturers' instructions, and Internet web sites of the manufacturers.

RESULTS

Based on the 7 animal studies and 1 clinical study, HPP polyetheretherketone (PEEK) consisting of a single monomer and featuring a low Young modulus may be advantageous. PEEK seems to lead to less osteolyses and healing problems and no scattering in radiation was observed. Some animal studies showed direct contact between PEEK and the bone with high biocompatibility and no evidence for cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and immunogenicity to the present day.

CONCLUSION

The HPPs (ie, PEEK) may carry some potential to be an alternative material for titanium as medical and dental implants. Yet, clinical and animal studies are limited in the field of implantology with such materials.

Porcelain bonding to novel Co-Cr alloys: Influence of interfacial reactions on phase stability, plasticity and adhesion

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to determine the hardness and adhesion strength at the porcelain to alloy interface.

METHODS

15 bi-layer porcelain veneered Co-Cr specimens of each alloy group [cast, powder metallurgy (PM), CAD/CAM(CC)] were manufactured. 12 bi-layered specimens were tested using four-point bend strain energy release rate adhesion test. One before and after porcelain firing specimen of each alloy group were nano-indented at the bulk and metal-porcelain interface to determine the mechanical properties. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to determine the microstructure and phase of the indented areas.

RESULTS

The results obtained from the four-point bend strain energy release rate test indicated highest adhesion energy of 92.15J/m² observed in the CC produced Co-Cr alloy. This was followed by the PM alloy with an adhesion energy of 62.24J/m² and cast alloy with an adhesion energy of 42.83J/m². All comparisons of adhesion energy between the three alloys were found to be statistically significant (p<.05). Nano-indentation test indicated higher hardness values of 4.6-6.1GPa at the metal-porcelain interface compared to the bulk, which had hardness values of 3.1-3.9GPa.

SIGNIFICANCE

The adhesion of the alloy to porcelain was found to be inversely related to the hardness of the interfacial layer at the alloy surface. Lower interfacial hardness was found to be accompanied with higher adhesion energy due to the additional plastic energy consumed during crack propagation along the more ductile interface region of the alloy.

Effects of silica-coating on surface topography and bond strength of porcelain fused to CAD/CAM pure titanium

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of porcelain fusing to titanium and the effects of surface treatment on surface structure of titanium. In the shear bond strength test, titanium surface treatments were: conventional, silica-coating without bonding agent, and silica-coating with bonding agent. Titanium surface treatments for analysis by the atomic force microscope (AFM) were: polishing, alumina sandblasting and silica-coating. The shear bond strength value of silica-coating with bonding agent group showed significantly higher than that of other groups. In AFM observation results, regular foamy structure which is effective for wetting was only observed in silica-coating. Therefore, this structure might indicate silicon. Silica-coating renders forms a nanoscopic regular foamy structure, involved in superhydrophilicity, to titanium surface, which is markedly different from the irregular surface generated by alumina sandblasting.

Effect of sandblasting on fracture load of titanium ceramic crowns

Purpose of the Study:

It is difficult to achieve a reliable bond between the titanium and veneering porcelain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength between titanium ceramic crowns.

Materials and Methods:

The surfaces of titanium copings were divided in two groups. Group A sandblasted with 250 um (n = 10) and Group B without sandblasting (n = 10). Low-fusing porcelain was bonded over copings. A universal testing machine was used to determine the fracture load (N) of the crowns. All data were compared using Student's t-test.

Results:

There was a significant difference in fracture toughness between two groups (P = 0.05). The mean value of fracture strength for Group A was 721.66 N and for Group B was 396.39 N.

Conclusions:

Sandblasting improves the bond strength between titanium, and ceramic, mechanical bonding plays a crucial role in the bonding between titanium and ceramic.

The effect of thermal cycling on the shear bond strength of porcelain/Ti-6Al-4V interfaces

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling on the shear bond strength of the porcelain/Ti-6Al-4V interfaces prepared by two different processing routes and metallic surface conditions. Polished and SiO2 particle abraded Ti-6Al-4V alloy and Triceram bonder porcelain were used to produce the interfaces. Porcelain-to-metal specimens were processed by conventional furnace firing and hot pressing. Thermal cycling was performed in Fusayama's artificial saliva for 5000 cycles between 5 ± 1 and 60 ± 2°C. After thermal cycling, shear bond tests were carried out by using a custom-made stainless steel apparatus. The results were analyzed using t-Student test and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.01). Most of the polished-fired specimens were fractured during thermal cycling; thus, it was not possible to obtain the shear bond strength results for this group. Sandblasted-fired, polished-hot pressed, and sandblasted-hot pressed specimens presented the shear bond strength values of 76.2 ± 15.9, 52.2 ± 23.6, and 59.9 ± 22.0 MPa, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that thermal cycling affected the polished specimens processed by firing, whereas a significant difference was not observed on the other groups.

Effect of Surface Treatment of Titanium Elements on the Bond Strength to Zirconium Dioxide

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of surface treatment of titanium elements on the bond strength to zirconium dioxide. Forty cylindrical titanium discs (Tritan CpTi 1) were divided into four groups (n=10) that were subject to: grinding (Group A), grinding and acid-etching with 5% HF (Group B), sandblasting with 60μm alumina particles (Group C) and sandblasting with 60μm alumina particles and acid-etching with 5% HF (Group D). Prepared materials were bonded to cylindrical discs made of zirconium dioxide (Ceramill Zi) by composite cement (Panavia F 2.0). The specimens were tested for the shear bond strength. The load was applied to the moment of the bond failure. Than the debonded specimens were vertically sectioned and the fractographic analysis of interfacial fractures under SEM as well as the analysis of chemical composition of the obtained fractures using radiographic spectrum were performed. The results were subject to the statistical analysis by using the analysis of variance. The highest values of bond strength were obtained for specimens whose surface was sandblasted and abraded. Fractographic investigation and the analysis of chemical composition of the cross-sections of the interfacial fractures revealed that the fracture occurred at the titanium-resin cement interface. Air abrasion treatment considerably improves the titanium and composite cement bonding and should be recommended for cementation of prosthodontic restorations constructed on titanium implants.

Evaluating interface strength of calcium phosphate sol-gel-derived thin films to Ti6Al4V substrate

The interface shear strength of Ca-P thin films applied to Ti6Al4V substrates have been evaluated in this study using a substrate straining method--a shear lag model. The Ca-P films were synthesized using sol-gel methods from either an inorganic or organic precursor solution. Strong interface bonding was demonstrated for both film types. The films were identified as non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite but with different Ca/P ratios. The Ca-P films were 1-1.5 microm thick and testing and analysis using the shear lag approach revealed a shear strength of approximately 347 and 280 MPa for Inorganic and Organic Route-formed films, respectively. Overall, the exceptional mechanical properties of Ca-P/Ti6Al4V system along with the inherent advantages of sol-gel processing support continued studies to utilize this technology for bone-interfacing implant surface modification.

Evaluation of shear bond strength at the interface of two porcelains and pure titanium injected into the casting mold at three different temperatures

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Titanium has physical and mechanical properties, which have led to its increased use in dental prostheses despite casting difficulties due to high melting point and formation of oxide layers which affect the metal-ceramic bond strength.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study evaluated the shear bond strength of the interface of 2 dental porcelains and pure titanium injected into a mold at 3 different temperatures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using commercially pure (cp) titanium bars (Titanium, Grade I) melted at 1668 degrees C and cast at mold temperatures of 430 degrees C, 700 degrees C or 900 degrees C, 60 specimens were machined to 4 x 4 mm, with a base of 5 x 1 mm. The 4-mm surfaces were airborne-particle abraded with 100 microm aluminum oxide before applying and firing the bonding agent and evaluating the 2 porcelains (Triceram/Triline ti and Vita Titankeramik). Ten specimens were prepared for each temperature and porcelain combination Shear bond testing was performed in a universal testing machine, with a 500-kg load cell and crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The specimens were loaded until failure. The interfaces of representative fractured specimens of each temperature were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Data for shear bond strength (MPa) were statistically analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

The results showed significant differences for the metal/porcelain interaction effect (P=.0464). There were no significant differences for the 2 porcelains (P=.4250). The Tukey test showed a significant difference between the pair cp Ti 430 degrees C Triceram and cp Ti 900 degrees C Triceram, with respective mean values and SDs of 59.74 +/- 11.62 and 34.03 +/- 10.35 MPa.

CONCLUSION

Triceram porcelain showed a bond strength decrease with an increase in the mold temperature for casting titanium. The highest bond strength for Vita porcelain and the best metal-ceramic interface observed with the SEM were found with the mold temperature of 700 degrees C.

Evaluation of low-fusing ceramic systems combined with titanium grades II and V by bending test and scanning electron microscopy

The bond strength by three point bending strength of two metal substrates (commercially pure titanium or grade II, and Ti-6Al-4V alloy or grade V) combined to three distinct low-fusing ceramic systems (LFC) and the nature of porcelain-metal fracture by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated. The results were compared to a combination of palladium-silver (Pd-Ag) alloy and conventional porcelain (Duceram VMK68). Sixty metal strips measuring 25x3x0.5mm were made - 30 of titanium grade II and 30 of titanium grade V, with application of the following types of porcelain: Vita Titankeramik, Triceram or Duceratin (10 specimens for each porcelain). The porcelains were bonded to the strips with dimensions limited to 8x3x1mm. The control group consisted of ten specimens Pd-Ag alloy/Duceram VMK68 porcelain. Statistical analyses were made by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test at 5% significance level. Results showed that the bond strength in control group (48.0MPa ± 4.0) was significantly higher than the Ti grade II (26.7MPa ± 4.1) and Ti grade V (25.2MPa ± 2.2) combinations. When Duceratin porcelain was applied in both substrates, Ti grade II and Ti grade V, the results were significantly lower than in Ti grade II/Vitatitankeramik. SEM analysis indicated a predominance of adhesive fractures for the groups Ti grade II and Ti grade V, and cohesive fracture for control group Pd-Ag/Duceram. Control group showed the best bond strength compared to the groups that employed LFC. Among LFC, the worst results were obtained when Duceratin porcelain was used in both substrates. SEM confirmed the results of three point bending strength.

Thermal expansion and microstructural analysis of experimental metal-ceramic titanium alloys

Statement of problem Low-fusing porcelains for titanium veneering have demonstrated inferior color stability and metal-ceramic longevity compared to conventional porcelains.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the microstructure and thermal expansion coefficients of some experimental titanium alloys as alternative metallic substrates for low-fusing conventional porcelain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and various metallic elements (Al, Co, Sn, Ga, In, Mn) were used to prepare 8 titanium alloys using a commercial 2-chamber electric-arc vacuum/inert gas dental casting machine (Cyclarc). The nominal compositions of these alloys were the following (wt%): I: 80Ti-18Sn-1.5In-0.5Mn; II: 76Ti-12Ga-7Sn-4Al-1Co; III: 87Ti-13Ga; IV: 79Ti-13Ga-7Al-1Co; V: 82Ti-18In; VI: 75.5Ti-18In-5Al-1Co-0.5Mn; VII: 85Ti-10Sn-5Al; VIII: 78Ti-12Co-7Ga-3Sn. Six rectangular wax patterns for each test material (l = 25 mm, w = 3 mm, h = 1 mm) were invested with magnesia-based material and cast with grade II CP Ti (control) and the 8 experimental alloys. The porosity of each casting was evaluated radiographically, and defective specimens were discarded. Two cast specimens from CP Ti and alloys I-VIII were embedded in epoxy resin and, after metallographic grinding and polishing, were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive electron probe microanalysis. One specimen of each material was utilized for the determination of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with a dilatometer operating from room temperature up to 650 degrees C at a heating rate of 5 degrees C/minute.

RESULTS

Secondary electron images (SEI) and compositional backscattered electron images (BEI-COMPO) revealed that all cast specimens consisted of a homogeneous matrix except Alloy VIII, which contained a second phase (possibly Ti(2)Co) along with the titanium matrix. The results showed that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) varied from 10.1 to 13.1 x 10(-6)/ degrees C (25 degrees -500 degrees C), depending on the elemental composition.

CONCLUSION

The CTE of titanium can be considerably changed by alloying. Two-phase alloys were developed when alloying elements were added in concentrations greater than the maximum solubility limit in alpha-titanium phase.

Comparison of the bond compatibility of titanium and an NiCr alloy to dental porcelain

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the bond compatibility between porcelain and titanium, by using three-point bending, oxide adherence and thermal expansion tests, and to compare the results with those of a conventional NiCr alloy-porcelain system.

METHODS

The three-point bending test was used and the results were evaluated according to DIN draft 13927. Fractured surfaces of the metal and porcelain were examined macroscopically. The oxide adherence test was applied to titanium and NiCr alloy with appropriate oxidation degrees. After an oxide film was formed on the specimens, tensile strength test was applied. Oxide adherence strength values were set and fractured surfaces were examined macroscopically. In the thermal expansion test, thermal expansion curves and thermal expansion coefficients of titanium, NiCr alloy and tested porcelains were determined. Differences in thermal expansion values (delta alpha) in all metal-porcelain pairs were calculated to allow inferences to be made about residual stress levels.

RESULTS

The bending strengths of all groups were found to be within the acceptable standard levels. At the end of the oxide adherence test, the results indicated that the adherence of the formed oxides to the metals were at a desired level. As a result of the thermal expansion test, the titanium-porcelain and NiCr-porcelain systems showed compressive thermal stress. However, the titanium-porcelain pair exhibited large positive delta alpha values. This results is found to be above the proposed thermal compatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that the bond compatibility between titanium and porcelain was comparable with the NiCr-porcelain system.

Three-point bending strength of ceramics fused to cast titanium

Titanium requires special ceramic systems for veneering. This study compared the three-point bending strength of three commercially available titanium ceramic systems with a NiCr-alloy with conventional ceramics. Three-point bend specimens 25 x 5 x 0.5 mm were cast from polyethylene patterns. After alpha-case removal, they were veneered with 8 x 5 x 1 mm of ceramics at the center of the bar. Specimens were tested in a universal testing machine without ageing, after thermocycling, and after 90 d storage in an electrolyte solution. Titanium-ceramic systems were found to have a significantly lower bond strength in comparison to the NiCr-ceramic system. One of the titanium ceramic systems had a significantly lower bond strength in comparison to the other systems investigated. It could be concluded that bonding between titanium and ceramics is obtainable; however, the achievable bonds strengths did not match the NiCr-ceramic control.

Effects of indium and iron ions on in vitro calcium phosphate precipitation and crystallinity

The elution characteristics of indium and iron ions from six kinds of dental casting alloys were studied in vitro. A certain amount of indium (0.01-1.70 mg/cm2) was solubilized from the surface of only one prosthetic semiprecious brand (Miro Bright) in either 1% lactic acid or 0.05% hydrochloric acid solutions. The elution of iron was below the detection limit or < 0.01 mg/cm2. We also studied the stimulatory effects of indium and ferric ions on the calcium phosphate precipitation in the absence and presence of an inhibitor (phosvitin, a phosphoprotein purified from egg yolks). Indium and ferric ions promoted the reaction, and their stimulatory effects were stronger than the inhibitory effects of phosvitin (250 micrograms/ml). These facts suggest that indium, but not iron, could be eluted into the mouth, and that the eluted indium may stimulate the formation of oral calcium phosphate precipitates, counteracting the inhibition by saliva-derived phosphoproteins. The effects of these metal ions on calcium phosphate precipitates were also studied using both X-ray diffractometry and infrared spectrophotometry. It was shown that both indium and ferric ions decreased the grade of crystallinity of the calcium phosphate precipitates (hydroxyapatite).

Biocorrosion study of titanium-nickel alloys

The present study provides results of the corrosion behaviour in Hank's physiological solution and some other properties of three Ti-Ni alloys with 18, 25 and 28.4 wt% Ni, respectively. Results indicate that alpha-titanium and Ti2Ni were the two major phases in all three Ti-Ni alloys. The relative amount of the Ti2Ni phase increased with additional Ni content. Hardness of the Ti-Ni alloys also increased with added nickel content, ranging from 310 to 390 VHN, similar to the hardness of enamel. Melting temperatures of the Ti-Ni alloys were all lower than that of pure titanium by least 600 degrees C. The three Ti-Ni alloys behaved almost identically when potentiodynamically polarized in Hank's solution at 37 degrees C. The critical anodic current densities of the alloys were nearly 30 microA/cm2 and the breakdown potentials were all above 1100 mV (SCE).

Effect of nickel addition on microstructure and properties of Ti-Co-Ni alloys

The focus of this study was placed on the effect of nickel addition (5 wt%) on the microstructure, castability, biocorrosion resistance and some other properties of a series of cast high-cobalt (up to 25 wt%) Ti-Co-Ni alloys. Results indicated that melting temperatures of the present alloys were much lower than the melting temperature of pure titanium. Addition of 5 wt% Ni to replace an equivalent amount of Co slightly lowered the eutectoid and melting temperatures. Castability of the alloys was enhanced by the high alloy content and higher mould temperature. Substitution of 5 wt% Ni for Co increased the castability values. The phase transformation of beta-Ti to alpha-Ti was enhanced by nickel addition and higher mould temperature. Microhardness of the alloys increased with cobalt content and decreased with mould temperature. The addition of nickel lowered the hardness of the alloys. Breakdown potentials of the alloys were all higher than 900 mV and the critical anodic current densities were all lower than 8 microA cm-2.

Studies on calcium phosphate precipitation: effects of metal ions used in dental materials

The effects of 26 metal ions, of which 23 are used in dental materials, on the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to hydroxyapatite (HAP) in vitro were studied. From the effects on both the rate of HAP transformation and induction time, effects of metal ions were classified into three types; inhibitory (in the order: nickel, tin, cobalt, manganese, copper, zinc, gallium, thallium, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony, magnesium, and mercury); ineffective (cesium, titanium, chromium, iron [ferrous], iridium, palladium, platinum, silver, gold, aluminum, and lead); and stimulatory (iron [ferric] and indium). These results suggest that metal ions used in dental materials may modify the precipitation of oral calcium phosphate.

Bond characteristics of porcelain fused to milled titanium

OBJECTIVES

A bonding agent has recently been introduced that prepares the surface of milled titanium copings for bonding to low fusing dental porcelains. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the bonding agent by comparing the shear and three-point bending strength of specimens made with three combinations of materials: 1) milled titanium/porcelain with bonding agent, 2) the same milled titanium/porcelain without bonding agent, and 3) cast high palladium/conventional porcelain.

METHODS

Shear specimens consisting of porcelain cylinders 6 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length were fired to the ends of metal cylinders 6 mm in diameter and 13 mm in length. Three-point bend specimens made of 25 x 3 x 0.5 mm metal bars were veneered with 8 x 3 x 1 mm of porcelain in the bar's center. Specimens were tested in shear and bending in a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Newman-Kuels post hoc tests (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

When a titanium bonding agent was used, porcelain to titanium bond strength was slightly but statistically significantly greater than the porcelain to high palladium bond strength. The result was the same when measured by both shear and three-point bending tests. Without the bonding agent, the shear strength of porcelain to titanium was significantly lower than that of the bonding agent and high palladium groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

The use of a bonding agent improves the bond strength of porcelain-fused-to-milled titanium.

Elutions of metal ions from dental casting alloys and their effect on calcium phosphate precipitation and transformation

The elution characteristics of metal ions from dental casting alloys were studied in vitro. Large amounts of nickel (0.12-4.94 mg/cm2) and chromium (< 0.01-0.63 mg/cm2) were solubilized from the surface of seven brands of nickel-chromium alloy in either 1% lactic acid or 0.05% hydrochloric acid solutions. The elution of chromium from two brands of cobalt-chromium alloys in both eluents was below the detection limit or less than 0.01 mg/cm2. The elution of tin, copper, and zinc from a gold-palladium-silver alloy in both eluents was below the detection limit or less than 0.01 and 0.04 mg/cm2. Some amounts of tin (0.19-1.92 mg/cm2) and zinc (0.56-1.73 mg/cm2) were eluted from a silver alloy in both eluents. The effects of five eluting metal ions, i.e., nickel, chromium, tin, copper, and zinc, on the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to hydroxyapatite (HAP) in vitro also were studied by a pH drop method. All divalent cations except for chromium decreased the rate of HAP transformation and elongated the induction time. Nickel had an inhibitory effect comparable to 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) on the rate of HAP transformation. Tin, copper, and zinc inhibited similarly, but the inhibition was weaker than that by nickel. Chromium did not inhibit these reactions.