Selection of Dental Implant Biomaterial by Using a Developed MCDM Solver

Abstract

A proper selection of materials, especially biomaterials, ensures a reliable and long-lasting working life of the component, i.e., implant. The selection of materials for the manufacture of dental implants represents a significant challenge when it comes to the choice of biomaterials. The developed decision support system named MCDM Solver provides the possibility of evaluating and ranking biomaterials in relation to given criteria that can be grouped into mechanical, biological, chemical, aesthetic and technological–financial. In this study, based on 11 criteria, 17 biomaterials to produce dental implants were ranked. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the obtained rankings was performed by using a method of variation criteria weights and omitting the criterion C11 (machinability). In this study, within all limitations, it was shown that the best ranked materials to produce dental implants are β-type titanium alloys Ti-15Mo-5Zr and Ti-13Nb-13Zr, respectively, while CP Ti Grade 4 and Ti-15Zr are highly rated, right behind the best ranked β-type titanium alloys.