Tarnish Evaluation of Gold-based Dental Alloys

Abstract

Three commercial gold dental alloys and three ternary (Au-Ag-Cu) alloys of constant nobility were subjected to a standardized test battery for tarnish. The tests included sodium sulfide and artificial saliva solutions, both at 37°C, in sealed containers. Quantitative measurements of tarnish were made from the alloy color change during a three-day exposure. Alloy nobility is a relatively important factor in determining tarnish resistance; however, microstructure can have a negative effect on tarnish resistance. Alloys with a two-phase microstructure produce microgalvanic conditions which lead to either silver chloride or silver sulfide tarnish products. A solution heat treatment improves tarnish resistance by eliminating microstructural inhomogeneities.