Noble metal alloys for metal-ceramic

restorations.
Anusavice KJ.

Abstract

A review of the comparative characteristics and properties of noble metal alloys used
for metal-ceramic restorations has been presented. Selection of an alloy for one's
practice should be based on long-term clinical data, physical properties, esthetic
potential, and laboratory data on metal-ceramic bond strength and thermal
compatibility with commercial dental porcelains. Although gold-based alloys, such as
the Au-Pt-Pd, Au-Pd-Ag, and Au-Pd classes, may appear to be costly compared with
the palladium-based alloys, they have clearly established their clinical integrity and
acceptability over an extended period of time. Other than the relatively low sag
resistance of the high gold-low silver content alloys and the potential thermal
incompatibility with some commercial porcelain products, few clinical failures have
been observed. The palladium-based alloys are less costly than the gold-based
alloys. Palladium-silver alloys require extra precautions to minimize porcelain
discoloration. Palladium-copper and palladium-cobalt alloys may also cause
porcelain discoloration, as copper and cobalt are used as colorants in glasses. The
palladium-cobalt alloys are least susceptible to high-temperature creep compared
with all classes of noble metals. Nevertheless, insufficient clinical data exist to
advocate the general use of the palladium-copper and palladium-cobalt alloys at the
present time. One should base the selection and use of these alloys in part on their
ability to meet the requirements of the ADA Acceptance Program. A list of
acceptable or provisionally acceptable alloys is available from the American Dental
Association and is published annually in the Journal of the American Dental
Association. Dentists have the legal and ethical responsibility for selection of alloys
used for cast restorations. This responsibility should not be delegated to the dental
laboratory technician. It is advisable to discuss the criteria for selection of an alloy
with the technician and the thermal manufacturer or supplier. Once an alloy is
selected, the specific alloy name should be written on all laboratory prescriptions as
well as in patients' charts. Maintenance of accurate dental records is necessary from
a legal point of view, and it also allows the clinician to determine the longevity of
specific metal-porcelain systems.

PMID: 3908167 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]