OBJECTIVEThis study aimed at investigating bio-tribological property of titanium opposite to teeth as a base of clinical application.

METHODSUnder a modified fretting machine, wear tests on human natural teeth were carried out in artificial saliva conditions against to pure titanium. The dynamic frictional process and wear mechanisms were investigated by means of Nene-2, MVK-H12, TALYSURF6, OM, LSM, SEM, EDX.

RESULTSThe coefficient of friction exhibited a variation pattern of longs. The wear mechanism of natural tooth was detected as micro-cut and denaturation of dental texture and the wear depth of Ti/teeth was 20.33 + 2.86 microm, the wear depth of Ti/Ti being 38.00 + 5.88 microm (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe natural tooth has a good tribological behavior, matching the friction behavior of pure titanium. Over occlusal force during masticate process and para-function should be avoided. When we chose dental materials, wear resistance should be taken into account.