Gold tooth is old fashioned (and expensive). A better alternative has come up from ISRO’s labs—a spin-off from its space technology quests.
A reinforced plastic called ‘polyaramid’ is a composite used in various launch vehicle applications. ISRO has developed a material based on polyaramid that is useful for making dentures (teeth). Called ‘ACRAMID’, the composite of polyaramid fibres and poly methyl methacrylate resin can be used for prosthodontic restoration, or replacement for lost tooth.
At present, gold, silver and ceramics are used as tooth fillings. But ACRAMID is a better material because it is strong—you will get no micro cracks, especially while fixing in. ISRO says it has tested it for toxicity ad biocompatibility and has found it to be okay. Clinical trials showed the prosthesis would remain good for many years.
The advantages of ACRAMID are: cost 5 per cent that of gold, better aesthetics because of matching color, light weight, easy processability, minimum lab equipment and easily repairable. The ACRAMID prosthesis has been worked out in such a way to avoid costly equipment for the making of dentures. This can be used as a cheaper denture implant for fixed orthodontic restoration, says ISRO.
For further details, contact:
(Regrettably, ISRO has not provided an email ID)
Director
Technology and Services
Technology Transfer & Industry Cooperation (TT&IC)
ISRO Headquarters
Antariksh Bhavan
New BEL Road
Bangalore – 560 231
Fax : 080-2217 8339.
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