Objectives: To identify the metallic ions released by different dental alloys subjected to a constant flow of saliva and to quantify it stating the results in mg of ion/ml of artificial saliva and also in mg of released ion/cm2 of alloy in 15 days in order to evaluate the possible toxicity of the different dental alloys on the basis of the type and the amount of ions released. Methods: Three nickel-based alloys; Will-Ceram Litecast®, Litecast B® and Nibon®, one noble alloy; Cerapall 6®, one high-noble alloy; Pontor 4CF® and two copper-aluminum alloys; Orcast® and NPG® were used. 21 pieces were cast with each alloy following the manufacturers recommendations. The casts were put in individual recipients and were immersed in a constant flow of artificial saliva during 15 days by means of a peristaltic bomb. Moreover the casts were subjected to three daily episodes of pH decrease and salinity increase to imitate the changes that take place during meals, by means of an electrical valve connected to a programmer that cut off the base saliva flow every seven hours and gave way to a modified saliva during 30 minutes. After 15 days, the metallic ions in artificial saliva were analysed by atomic spectroscopy by coupled plasma induction. Results: The copper-aluminium alloys released: copper, aluminium, nickel, manganese and iron. The nickel-based alloys released essentially nickel and chromium, but the alloy that contains beryllium released much more nickel than the others and released, moreover, beryllium. The noble and high noble alloys were very resistant to corrosion. Conclusion: Amongst all the elements that the different alloys released, only the nickel released by the nickel-chromium alloy that contains beryllium approached the amount considered dangerous in subjects allergic to this metal.

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