In vitro evaluation of a removable partial denture framework using multi-directionally forged titanium

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Removable partial dentures (RPDs) often utilize titanium frameworks for their biocompatibility and mechanical strength.
• Optimizing the mechanical properties and manufacturability of titanium alloys is crucial for improving RPD performance.
• Multi-directionally forged titanium (MDF-Ti) presents an ultrafine-grained structure with potential benefits for dental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of multi-directionally forged titanium (MDF-Ti) as a framework material for removable partial dentures (RPDs).
• To compare the wear resistance, plaque adhesion, and machinability of MDF-Ti against commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti).

Main Methods:

• Wear resistance was assessed by measuring volume loss of titanium specimens before and after wear testing.
• Plaque adhesion was evaluated using an assay with *Streptococcus mutans*.
• Machinability was tested by cutting and grinding MDF-Ti and CP-Ti samples using standard dental burs and abrasive points.
• Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-tests to determine significant differences.

Main Results:

• MDF-Ti exhibited wear resistance and plaque adherence comparable to CP-Ti (P > .05).
• Machinability tests revealed significantly greater volume loss for MDF-Ti compared to CP-Ti under most conditions (P < .05), except at 100/30,000 g/rpm.
• Despite higher volume loss in some machinability tests, MDF-Ti demonstrated better overall machinability than CP-Ti.

Conclusions:

• MDF-Ti possesses wear resistance and plaque adherence properties suitable for RPD applications, similar to CP-Ti.
• The enhanced machinability of MDF-Ti suggests it is a promising material for fabricating RPD frameworks.
• MDF-Ti represents a viable alternative framework material for removable partial dentures.