TiC-composite materials in applications for kinematic denture connections

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Prosthetic Dentistry

Background:

• Existing prosthetic ball latches present limitations in terms of material performance and design complexity.
• Analysis of current commercial solutions highlights areas for improvement in durability and functionality within the oral environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel ball latch design specifically for prosthetic dentistry applications.
• To compare the performance of the proposed design against existing commercial ball latch systems.

Main Methods:

• Materials tested include pure titanium, 316LVM steel, Ti15Mo2.8Nb, titanium carbide, and graphite, prepared via powder metallurgy and mechanical alloying.
• Tribological tests were conducted using a friction simulator in a ring/shield system to assess material suitability.
• Extensive testing verified the material's efficacy under oral cavity conditions.

Main Results:

• The proposed material demonstrated superior performance compared to existing commercial dental alloys.
• The developed ball latch design meets the general criteria required for dental prosthetic elements.
• Two-part ball latches (patrix, matrix) showed more beneficial use than three-part designs (patrix, insert, matrix).

Conclusions:

• The novel two-part ball latch design presents a viable and advantageous alternative to traditional prosthetic solutions.
• The proposed design and material selection offer enhanced functionality and durability for dental prosthetics.