Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the residence time in the oral cavity on the electrochemical and microstructural properties of nickel-titanium superelastic and thermoelastic archwires aiming at establishing optimum treatment parameters regarding materials selection and maintenance of orthodontic apparatus. The corrosion behaviour of commercial archwires of different diameters was studied after periods of use from 1 to 3 months in the oral cavity of patients submitted to orthodontic treatment. Electrochemical measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results revealed that the stiffness of superelastic archwires increased upon use, making it unnecessary to replace archwires in the early stages of treatment with the objective of adapting the diameter of the wire. Electrochemical tests suggested extremely high corrosion resistance of the nickel-titanium alloy even in severe acid environment. SEM images revealed limited pit formation concentrated in the archwire-bracket contacts.
Published Version
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