Allergic response to stainless steel wire.

A review of the literature indicates that an allergic response to stainless steel is rare, although nickel is a common allergen and is encountered continually in daily life. An allergic reaction could occur at a most inopportune time. Rational approaches in management of an allergic response to stainless steel appear to be either: (1) wire removal and symptomatic therapy, (2) application of fixation with other substances, or (3) administration of steroids with necessary stainless steel immobilization left in place.

Further studies on gold alloys used in fabrication of porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations.

Composition, microstructure, castability, mechanical properties, and heat treatment characteristics of two gold-palladium-silver-based alloys were studied. The materials exhibited compositional as well as microstructural differences. Clinically acceptable castings could not be obtained when manufacturers' recommended casting temperatures were used.

Potential applications of certain nickel-titanium (nitinol) alloys.

The mechanical behavior ("shape memory") associated with martensitic solid-state transformation in nearly equiatomic Ni-Ti alloy (55-Nitinol) has been studied. Potential dental and medical applications for 55-Nitinol (55% Ni, 1.5% Co, balance Ti, by weight) and for 60-Nitinol (60% Ni, by weight) have been suggested.