Discoloration of Ti-20Cr alloy in oral environment and its surface characterization

The objective of this study was to evaluate change in color in experimental titanium-20mass% chromium (Ti-20Cr) alloy in an oral environment. Pure Ti and Ti-6Al-7Nb and Co-29Cr-5Mo alloys, as references to compare change in color, were prepared by casting. The cast specimen was mirror-polished. Each specimen was affixed to a palatal plate and the plate then worn by a volunteer for up to 300 h. A few specimens showed a change in color. These changes and the median values among the tested alloys were not significant. Larger amounts of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen were observed in the discolored alloys than in the slightly-discolored alloys. The spectra of the constituent elements of the alloys revealed no corrosion. In conclusion, the experimental Ti-20Cr alloys showed a level of resistance to change in color and corrosion similar to that in commercially available Ti and Co-29Cr-5Mo alloys.