[Economic aspects of use of alternative dental alloys]

A cost calculation for different types of dental alloys was carried through all stages of production. Recycling and scrap material values were included. Results showed that over an estimated 20 years of usage, the higher annual cost for bridges cast with a high gold alloy in relation to those with lower gold content alloys is not that significant that from the patients point of view the lower alloys should the choice. Due to the system of health insurance, this cost calculation from the production point of view looks different for the organizations that are reimbursing the patient for his expenses, as these organizations are not entitled to the scrap value of old restorations.