Rising Gold prices create a demand for alternative materials

As those of you in the dental field already know gold is a fantastic material. Malleability, bio compatibility and hygienic properties of gold make this metal ideal for many dental restorations. Those of you in the dental industry also realize how expensive precious metals have become. Many people say that prices in the precious metals market will continue to skyrocket. So what options are dentists and labs considering as alternatives to porcelain fused to gold and full gold restorations?

• Titanium has been considered at times, but struggles to enter the mainstream market. Titanium is bio compatible, after all that is the material of choice for implants. Where titanium has struggled to catch on is in the manufacturing. Dental Laboratories wishing to offer titanium core crowns need to invest in additional equipment without knowing if the demand will offset the investment.

• Zirconium oxide frameworks have been used for many years now as a core for metal free restorations. Some labs even offer posterior full contour crowns of zirconium.  Most labs are able to offer this type of restoration now as market demand has increased over the years. Many different alternatives exist within the manufacturers of zirconium oxide based materials. Care must be used when choosing this type of restoration for your patient as the material is not appropriate for every case.

• Lithium Di-silicate is a more recent addition to the metal free restoration market. Because many labs already had systems in place for all porcelain crowns this material is a simple addition to a dental laboratories catalog. Ivoclar's E-max system is a popular name in the lithium di-silicate market. These materials can be pressed as a monolithic crown, which provides a strong restoration when there is adequate thicknesses. Aesthetically these restorations look very nice.

• Pressed porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic, and work well for some cosmetic cases. These crowns are not as strong as zirconium oxide, or lithium di silicate restorations so care must be used when deciding on this material. 

These are just a handful of options available to practitioners looking for gold alternatives. Contact your lab and discuss material selection. New products are constantly entering the market, and every manufacturer claims to have the best thing available. Truthfully the best option for one patient may be the wrong option for the next. Research new materials and follow the prep guidelines and patient indications. Gold is great, but as prices go up start considering your alternatives.