Deformation properties of Ti-6A1-7Nb alloy castings for removable partial denture frameworks

Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy was cast into three differently designed, removable partial denture frameworks: Palatal strap (PS), Anterior-posterior bar (AP), and Horseshoe-shaped bar (HS). The vertical displacement and local strain of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy frameworks were investigated to compare against those of Co-Cr alloy frameworks. Vertical loading force of 19.6 N was applied at two locations, 10 and 20 mm, from the distal end of the framework. Although higher vertical displacement and local strain were observed for Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy frameworks than those for Co-Cr alloy frameworks, the PS framework appeared to show the least deformation. In addition, the strain at 10-mm location was higher than that at 20-mm location for AP and HS frameworks. This study thus proved that design had a significant influence on the deformation properties of denture frameworks. The PS design was evaluated to be a suitable design for the removable denture framework with Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy.