Titanium alloys of various grades are widely used in medical and dental applications of all kinds. The infographic below, Titanium in the Medical Industry: Benefits and Applications, presents a quick, useful overview of why and how this metal is so versatile and reliable.
Titanium has been in use in the field for quite some time, with applications in dentistry dating back to the 1940s (although the first titanium dental implant didn’t occur until in 1965). Surgical applications began to appear in the 1950s, and have steadily expanded, especially in, but by no means limited to, cardiovascular and orthopedic medicine.
The use of titanium for biomedical implants such as pacemakers and artificial joints is well-known, but the material’s strength, bacteria resistance and light weight make it an exceptionally good material for applications such as surgical instruments and medical equipment and device components.
Because of titanium’s physical characteristics and availability, research and development of new medical applications is proceeding rapidly. And, with an ageing population that can increase demand for many medical treatments that currently and potentially involve titanium, the investment in R&D should be well rewarded.
