The effect of pH on the corrosion of dental metal alloys.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the oral environment's pH on the corrosion of dental metals and alloys that have different compositions, using electrochemical methods. The corrosion rates and the cathodic Tafel slopes were obtained from the current-potential curves. The effect of pH on the corrosion of dental metals and alloys was dependent on their composition. Dissolution of the ions occurred in all of the tested pH states. The dissolution was moderately low for samples containing titanium because its surface was covered with a protective layer, whereas the dissolution was maximal for the samples containing tin and copper. Addition of cobalt and molybdenum to the alloys improved their corrosion resistance; these cobalt and molybdenum alloys were not effected by changes in the pH. Dissolution of the precious metal alloys increased as the percentage of noble metals increased. The corrosion characteristics of dental metals and alloys are important because the corrosion tendencies of dental alloys in the mouth may cause health hazards, weakening and the aesthetic loss of dental restorations.