Dental Metal Alloys

Dental metal alloys are classified into three categories based on noble metal content. High noble alloys contain at least 60% noble metals (gold, platinum, palladium) with at least 40% gold. Noble alloys contain at least 25% noble metals. Base metal alloys contain less than 25% noble metals and are primarily composed of nickel, chromium, cobalt, or titanium. Gold-based alloys have historically been the preferred choice for cast restorations, offering excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. However, their high cost has led to increased use of alternative alloys. Palladium-based alloys provide similar performance at lower cost, while base metal alloys offer the most economical option. Base metal alloys including nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium are widely used for PFM crown frameworks, removable partial denture frameworks, and implant superstructures. They offer high strength and rigidity but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive patients, particularly nickel-containing alloys. Titanium and its alloys combine excellent biocompatibility with high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for implants and some prosthetic frameworks.