Titanium for prosthodontic applications: a review of the literature.

Titanium has become a material of great interest in prosthodontics in recent years. A growing trend involves the use of titanium as an economical and biocompatible replacement for existing alloys for fixed and removable prostheses. However, long-term results of titanium casting, joining, and porcelain bonding have to be evaluated before this wonder metal can be used routinely in clinical dentistry. This article describes the development and properties of titanium and reviews the literature related to the use of titanium in prosthodontics, for the purpose of evaluating the present status and future trends in its use.