How do titanium and chrome-cobalt partials compare?
Titanium and chrome-cobalt frameworks share the same clinical design principles, so the choice comes down to weight, biocompatibility, long-term retention, and esthetics. Published research (e.g., the Saudi Dental Journal, 2024) reports that titanium has higher resistance to deformation than chrome-cobalt, which translates into better retention over time, especially after many insertion/removal cycles. Titanium's fracture resistance is at least as good as chrome-cobalt; combined with its much lighter weight, that yields a clear clinical advantage. In side-by-side trials, patients consistently chose titanium over chrome-cobalt on comfort alone.
| Attribute | SLM Titanium | Chrome-Cobalt (CoCr) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~60% lighter | Baseline |
| Biocompatibility | Nickel-free Ti-6Al-4V; safest choice for metal sensitivities | Modern alloys are nickel-free but can still trigger sensitivities in some patients |
| Esthetics | Natural grayish tone, blends with gingiva; allows thinner design | Standard metal appearance |
| Deformation resistance | Higher | Baseline |
| Retention after ~6,000 cycles (~3.5 yrs of use) | Retains ~91% (~9% loss) | Retains ~25% (~75% loss) |
| Fracture resistance | At least equal to CoCr | Baseline |
| Clasp performance | Equal or better; ductile and adjustable | Baseline |
| Framework production (SLM) | ~3 days to a fully polished framework | Comparable with SLM |
| Total lab days | 13 | 12 |
| Price (as of Apr 2026) | $489.00 | $444.00 |
Prices and turnaround are subject to change; contact ROE for current figures.
Additional Resources
For more information concerning the digital dentures:
Contact Information
For help with a digital denture solution for your next case, contact ROE Dental Laboratory:
- Phone: (216) 663-2233
- Email: info@roedentallab.com