Comparative Study of the Friction and Wear Behavior of Natural Tooth and Several Dental Prosthetic Materials

The friction and wear behaviour of natural living tooth and several dental prosthetic materials made of polymer, metal, and ceramics in sliding against SAE52100 steel was investigated on a modified fretting friction and wear test rig. The worn surface morphologies of the living tooth and several dental prosthetic materials were observed with an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The results show that natural tooth records a low friction coefficient and a small wear scar depth in sliding against the steel ball. The specimens made from Bayer tooth, thermosetting plastic, copper base alloy, titanium and its alloy have relatively good wear resistance as well and are thus idea prosthetic materials. Especially, titanium and its alloy are prospective dental prosthetic materials because of the desirable bio compatibility and similar tribological behaviour as the natural tooth.