Alloys for crown and bridgework

The requirements of alloys for metal-ceramic crowns and bridgework are examined. The functional requirements and manipulative behaviour and cost of cheaper alternatives to high gold alloys are discussed. All types use--high gold, reduced gold, silver palladium and base metal--appear to function satisfactorily in the mouth. Nickel and beryllium do not appear to be health hazards. Dental laboratory procedures and materials must be chosen to suit the type of alloy employed, although all alloy types appear suitable for crown and bridgework. The cost of alloy must be carefully examined in the context of total cost to the patient, and the use of alternatives to gold alloys in many cases may not warrant the required changes to laboratory procedures, but the saving is real, and can make permanent restorations available to greater proportion of the community.