Characteristics of mirror surface grinding of dental nickel-titanium alloy using ELID (Electrolytic in-process dressing)

Denture (dental prosthesis) materials have certain / numerous drawbacks-bacterial deposits form easily between the denture and aveolar bone surface, and mirror surface polishing is required to obtain resistance to corrosion, to enhance the appearance, and to realize contamination free conditions. To achieve this,however, involves considerable time and labor. The Titanium alloy, etc, used commonly for metal dental materials also has the drawback of poor workability, and it is important to resolve this problem. In this study, the authors applied ELID grinding to polish the neck between the denture of the Nickel-Titanium alloy artificial dental root and aveolar bone, and studied the grinding efficiency of the method and the surface properties obtained. By applying ELID grinding using the CBN grinding wheel, it was found that; superior surface properties could be obtained. Results of analyzing the grinding surface by SEM, EPMA, and AES indicated comparatively good surface properties. Also no surface contamination and no harmful elements to the human body were detected with the use of ELID grinding. These results suggest that ELID grinding can be applied for polishing metal dental materials.