In vitro corrosion and tarnish characterization of typical dental gold compositions.

Analysis of the anodic polarization and alternate immersion test response of 16 precious metal alloys with compositions similar to those of commercial dental golds indicate that alloys containing high (Ag + Cu) contents are likely to be more corrosion and tarnish prone. It also appears that the alloys containing high precious metals contents (Au, Pt, and Pd) are characterized by immunity or anodic film protection over a range of anodic overpotentials, indicating superior corrosion resistance.