It is an alloy with 60% Cobalt, 20% Chromium, 5% Molybdenum and other materials.
Vitallium History
Vitallium was expounded by Albert W. Merrick in 1932 while working for the Austenal Laboratories. Due to the rising prices of gold that was used in alloys for artificial dentures at that time, Vitallium found increased popularity. Vitallium was one of the first bone substitutes (used in 1937 by Jones and Liebermann) for a chemical justification. It was found to be passive in almost any aqueous-saline exposure and chemically inactive for electrolytic activity.
Commercial Availability
Vitallium is the trademark for the brand of cobalt-chromium alloy supplied by DENTSPLY. Only registered laboratories, universities and government bodies can avail Vitallium alloy. According to a study by Bridgeport DA, Brantley WA and Herman PF, the composition of Vitallium generally agrees with the supplied materials as claimed by the manufacturer; but it appears that there may have been some changes in its alloy compositions and method of processing.
Vitallium 2000 Plus
This is an improved trademark version of Vitallium alloy with higher yield and tensile strength and increased flexibility. Vitallium 2000 Plus comes with increased flexibility and elongation over twice that of ordinary Vitallium.
Picture 1 – Vitallium
Source – priorychromes.co.uk
Vitallium Uses
This alloy is used widely in dentistry and artificial joints.
Why Vitallium Is So Popular in Dentistry and Artificial Joints?
Given below are some of the reasons that explain why this material is a popular choice in dentistry and artificial joints.
- It is light in weight and biocompatible.
- Its refined surface makes it suitable for high luster and resisting plaque.
- It is highly adjustable and fracture-resistant.
- Being a biocompatible, nickel and beryllium free alloy, Vitallium is unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Other Medical Uses of Vitallium
Read and know about some medical uses of this substance.
- This alloy is utilized in cemented total hip or knee arthroplasty and metal-on-metal bearings in total hip arthroplasty. As against 317 stainless, Vitallium offers greater corrosion resistance.
- Its thermal resistant nature makes it suitable as a component of turbo charger.
- It is also used in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- The Luhr Maxillofacial System uses Vitallium which is one and a half times stronger but produces three times scatter as Titanium plates used in other systems. As a consequence, though Luhr plates are smaller in size than other systems, it generates larger radiographic distortions.
- Vitallium is also used in preparation of plates used for the repair of skull defects.