Tarnish evaluation of gold-based dental alloys

Three commercial gold dental alloys and three ternary (Au-Ag-Cu) alloys of constant nobility were subjected to a standardized test battery for tarnish. The tests included sodium sulfide and artificial saliva solutions, both at 37 degrees C, in sealed containers. Quantitative measurements of tarnish were made from the alloy color change during a three-day exposure. Alloy nobility is a relatively important factor in determining tarnish resistance; however, microstructure can have a negative effect on tarnish resistance. Alloys with a two-phase microstructure produce microgalvanic conditions which lead to either silver chloride or silver sulfide tarnish products. A solution heat treatment improves tarnish resistance by eliminating microstructural inhomogeneities.