Vitallium Alloy and its Uses

Vitallium Alloy

Vitallium

Vitallium is a brand name for a type of cobalt-chromium-based dental alloy. It was developed in the 1940s as a replacement for gold alloys, which were commonly used in dentistry at the time.

History

The development of vitallium was led by Dr. George Winter, a dental researcher who was interested in finding a stronger and more corrosion-resistant alternative to gold alloys. He conducted extensive research on the properties of various metals and alloys and eventually developed a cobalt-chromium alloy that he called "Vitallium.

Dr. Winter's work on Vitallium was supported by the U.S. government during World War II, as cobalt was a strategic metal that was needed for the war effort. The U.S. Army Dental Corps supported the development of Vitallium as a substitute for gold alloys, which were in short supply due to the war.

Vitallium in Dental application

Vitallium was first introduced to the dental community in 1945, and it quickly gained widespread acceptance due to its superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It became the standard material for crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations, and it is still widely used today.

Vitallium has several properties that make it well-suited for use in dentistry. It is strong and resistant to wear, which makes it suitable for use in load-bearing dental restorations such as crowns and bridges. It also has good corrosion resistance, which means that it does not easily corrode or tarnish.

Why vitallium is popular in dental applications 

In addition to its mechanical properties, vitallium also has good biocompatibility, which means that it is well-tolerated by the body and does not cause adverse reactions. This property makes it suitable for use in dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth.

Availability

Vitallium is available in several different forms, including cast, milled, and pressed, and it can be finished using various techniques, including polishing, sandblasting, and electroplating. It is commonly used to fabricate crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays, as well as dental implants and orthodontic appliances.