Nonprecious cast-metal alloys in dentistry

This review of selected articles from October 1989 to October 1990 is divided into two sections: a review of clinical studies and a review of laboratory studies for nonprecious cast metals. The clinical articles are centered on biological compatibility issues, such as taste anomalies (dysgeusia) attributed to cast metals and allergy correlation to base metals, and on technique and longevity evaluations involving resin-bonded fixed partial dentures. Laboratory articles are mainly devoted to metal preparation before bonding of etched or resin-bonded fixed partial dentures and the estimated bond strengths of the metal castings. Other selected articles are based on studies of physical properties and physical testing of nonprecious alloys, such as modulus of rupture, to determine ceramic compatibility, castibility testing, marginal fit of fixed partial dentures, and flexure testing of of traditional and experimental designs for cast major connectors. Additionally, a low-cost method of titanium casting is reviewed.