title: Alternatives to gold.
abstract: Despite, or perhaps because of, its antiquity the lost wax casting process which we use in dentistry still produces the most accurate and durable restorations in our armamentarium. Although high-gold content alloys still act as the benchmark of quality, fit, and durability in the aggressive conditions of the mouth, their inherent cost, high density and low modulus have stimulated a search for alternatives. This has ranged widely through the metallurgical world and across the periodic table of the elements. As a result dental alloys for casting into inlays, crowns and bridges (with or without facings of dental porcelain) have become incredibly complex. This article will explain some of the reasons behind the developments.
authors.affiliation: Dental School, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Curtis
mesh_terms: D003343:Corrosion; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000191:economics; D016379:Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; D006047:Gold Alloys / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000191:economics; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics
chemical_list: D003722:Dental Alloys; D006047:Gold Alloys; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys