Evaluation of alternative alloys to type III gold for use in fixed prosthodontics

A study was done to evaluate the fit of castings made from commercially available alloys promoted by their manufacturers as cheaper alternatives to type III gold for use in fixed prosthodontics. Two nickel-chromium alloys, two silver-palladium alloys, two gold-silver-palladium alloys, a 50% gold alloy, and a type III conventional gold alloy (used as a basis of comparison) were evaluated. After optimum conditions for waxing, investing, and casting were determined experimentally, four crowns (two full crowns and two three quarter crowns) were cast from each alloy. The castings were cleaned by pickling or sandblasting and placed on their respective dies. Only one casting was made from each die. Ten judges were asked to evaluate the marginal fit and completeness of each casting on its die. The judges rated each casting and the ratings were converted into rankings. Type III gold and Forticast tied and were ranked first; Paliney CB was ranked second; Alborium and Albacast tied and ranked third; Aurolite CB was ranked fourth; and Jelenko Experimental and Howmedica III tied and ranked fifth. It was found that the nickel-chromium alloys produced castings that had a tight fit and showed marginal discrepancies even under conditions designed to yield maximum expansion of the investment. These nonprecious metal castings were judged inferior in terms of fit when compared with castings made from noble metal-and precious metal-containing alloys. Existing investments and techniques were adequate for all castings except those made from the nonprecious alloys. It was concluded that low (approximately lambda 50%) gold alloys and palladium-silver-gold alloys that are commerically available can be used as substitutes for type III gold alloy without any loss inthe quality of casting fit.