QUESTION

I am currently using base metal for my porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Why would I want to switch to titanium metal for the copings?

ANSWER

Titanium has gained an excellent reputation in the field of dental prosthetics, especially as a material for crown and bridge. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion. It is hypoallergenic and biocompatible. This adds a reassurance for all of your patients, especially those with hypersensityivity reactions.

Titanium can be x-rayed. This better translucency means that the crown may not need to be removed to diagnose a problem. Titanium is pure and is only one-quarter of the weight of gold. It makes feather-light structures possible. Because titanium has high mechanical stability, you have greater freedom in your design.

D&S Dental Laboratory provides porcelain-to-titanium crowns and bridges. The copings are milled in-lab using CAD/CAM technology and based on computer laser scans of your stone die. After metal-finishing your copings, a silver or gold-colored bonder (depending on the porcelain shade chosen) is applied. This bonder provides a bond strength which is far above the required standard. Finally, the porcelain is applied and fired to achieve homogenieity of the surface resulting in a natural and consistent color. Shades of porcelain for titanium are correlated to the Vita Lumen shade guide used in most dental offices.