Titanium and its alloys: properties and applications for use as an oral biomaterial: a review

ABSTRACT

Titanium and its alloys are being extensively researched and are applied relatively in different fields of dentistry since 1970s. Every property of this metal has proven to be useful in allied branches of dentistry like casting of removable partial denture frameworks, endosseous implants, in surgical reconstruction and orthodontics. Its inherent advantages like high strength, ductility, formability and weldability, low modulus of elasticity, ease of formation of oxidized surface layer, ability to retain mechanical integrity after autoclave and relatively low toxicity has led to extensive application of titanium and its alloys. The success of the treatment modality relies anyways on the knowledge of the properties required to employ them at the right situation. This article provides an insight into the properties of titanium and its alloys employed as a biomaterial for variety of purposes in dentistry with its definitive pros and cons.