Titanium and titanium alloys as dental materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Titanium and its alloys have been utilized in the aerospace industry since the 1950s owing to their lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, low elastic modulus, and superior corrosion resistance.
• Recent advancements highlight titanium's suitability for dental applications, including implants and restorative castings, due to its excellent biocompatibility, weldability, and ease of fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the properties of titanium and its alloys relevant to aerospace and dental applications.
• To explore the expanding role of titanium in restorative dentistry and dental implants.
• To identify areas requiring further research for optimizing titanium's use in dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of titanium's material properties.
• Analysis of titanium's application in aerospace and dental fields.
• Identification of current research gaps and future directions.

Main Results:

• Titanium's established advantages in aerospace (lightweight, strength, corrosion resistance) are complemented by biocompatibility and processability for dental use.
• Successful applications include dental implants and restorative castings, leveraging titanium's material characteristics.
• Key areas for future research include casting investments, porcelain veneering, device design, and biological response control.

Conclusions:

• Titanium and its alloys possess a unique combination of properties making them highly suitable for both aerospace and burgeoning dental applications.
• The biocompatibility and ease of fabrication of titanium are driving its adoption in dental implants and restorative procedures.
• Continued research and development are essential to fully realize the potential of titanium in advanced dental treatments and devices.