Understanding Creep Deformation In Dental Amalgam

Understanding Creep Deformation In Dental Amalgam

Write a short note on creep and flow.
Or
Write a short note on creep.
Or
Write the short answers on creep and flow.
Answer:

1. Creep:

Time-dependent plastic deformation or change of shape that occurs when a metal is subjected to a constant load near its melting point is known as creep.

This may be static or dynamic in nature:

• Static creep: It is a time-dependent deformation produced in a completely set solid subjected to constant stress.
• Dynamic creep: Produced when the applied stress is fluctuating

Importance of Creep:

Dental amalgam has components with melting points that are slightly above room temperature and the creep produced can be very destructive to the restoration. A creep of dental amalgam is a slow progressive permanent deformation of a set amalgam that occurs under constant stress (static creep) or intermittent stress (dynamic creep).

2. Flow:

It is somewhat similar to creep. In dentistry, the term flow is used instead of creep to describe the rheology of amorphous substances, for example, Waxes. Although creep and flow may be measured under any type of stress, compression is usually employed for the testing of dental materials.