Chromium Alloys for Partial Dentures

Applications - Casting partial denture metal frameworks

Classification

a. Cobalt-chromium
b. Nickel-chromium
c. Cobalt-chromium-nickel

Composition

a. Chromium-produces a passivating oxide film for corrosion resistance
b. Cobalt-increase~ the rigidity of the alloy
c. Nickel-increases the ductility of the alloy
d. Other elements-increase strength and castability

Manipulation

a. Requires higher temperature investment materials
b. More difficult to cast because less dense than gold alloys usually requires special casting equipment
c. Much more difficult to finish and polish because of higher strength and hardness

Properties

a. Physical-less dense_than gold alloys
b. Chemical-passivating corrosion behavior
c. Mechanical-stronger. stiffer. and harder than gold alloys
d. Biologic

-Nickel may cause sensitivity in some individuals (I % of men and 11 % of women)
-Beryllium in some alloys forms oxide that  is toxic to lab technicians

Components 

a. Fillers added to most to control shrinkage
b. Matrix

Properties-improve with filler content

Physical

Radiopacity depends on ions in silicate glass or the addition of barium sulfate (many systems radiolucent)
Coefficient of thermal expansion is 35 to 45 ppm/C and decreases with increasing filler content
Thermal and electrical insulators

Chemical

Water absorption is 0.5 % to 2.5% and increases with polymer level)
Acidulated topical fluorides (e.g., APF) tend to dissolve glass particles, and thus composites should be protected with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) during those procedures
Color changes occur in resin matrix with time because of oxidation, which produces colored by-products

Mechanical

Compressive strength is 45,000 to 60,000 lb/ in2, which is adequate
Wear resistance-improves with higher filler content, higher percentage of conversion in curing, and use of microfiller, but it is not adequate for some posterior applications
Surfaces rough from wear retain plaque and stain more readily

Biologic

Components may be cytotoxic, but cured composite is biocompatible as restorative filling material

Manipulation

Mixture of powder and liquid is painted onto working cast to create shape for acrylic appliance à  After curing of mixture, the shape and fit are adjusted by grinding with burrs and stones with a slow-speed handpiece .Acrylic dust is irritating to epithelial tissues of nasopharynx and skin and may produce allergic dermatitis or other reactions.  Grinding may heat polymer to temperatures that depolymerize and release monomer vapor. which may be an irritant

COMPOSITE RESINS

Reaction

• Free radical polymerization

Monomers + initiator. + accelerators-+ polymer molecules

• Initiators-start polymerization by decomposing and reacting with monomer
• Accelerators-speed up initiator decomposition

• Amines used  for accelerating self –curing  systems
•  Light  used for accelerating light-curing systems

Retarders or inhibitors-prevent premature polymerization

Casting of glass or ceramic

A castable ceramic is prepared in a similar manner as metal cast preparation .
Glass is heated to 1360 degrees & then cast.
Phosphate bonded investments are used for this purpose .