Which material characteristic enhances the durability of a dental restoration containing nickel?

The characteristic that significantly enhances the durability of a dental restoration containing nickel is enhanced ductility. Ductility refers to the ability of a material to deform under tensile stress, which allows it to absorb energy and bend without breaking. In dental restorations, this property is crucial because it enables the material to withstand the stresses of chewing and grinding, which are common in oral environments.

Nickel-containing alloys often possess good ductility, meaning they can flex and adapt to the forces exerted on them, reducing the risk of fracture or failure. This is particularly beneficial in the complex, dynamic conditions found within the mouth, where materials are subjected to various forces.

While corrosion resistance is also important for dental materials to prevent degradation, it does not directly contribute to the ability of the restoration to withstand physical stress. High malleability allows materials to be shaped without breaking, but ductility is a more significant factor in terms of the ability to handle load and stress over time. Improved thermal conductivity, while useful in some aspects of dental materials, does not relate to durability in terms of physical resilience.