Effect of Air-powder Polishing on the Surface Topography of Orthodontic Stainless Steel Wires

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effect of in vivo air-powder polishing on the surface roughness and topography of aged orthodontic stainless steel arch wires. Materials and methods A total of 20 stainless steel arch wires were used in this study. Ten wires (experimental) were aged and exposed to air-powder polishing, and 10 wires asreceived from the manufacturer served as the controls. The experimental group of wires was aged in the patient's oral cavity for an average of 5.3 ± 2.7 months. An air-powder polishing system was used to remove external stains and plaque deposits. The powder was sodium bicarbonate. The surface topography measurements were performed using an optical profilometer. Following the profilometer analysis, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the experimental and control arch wires. Results The average roughness (Sa) of the experimental upper and lower surfaces exposed to air-powder polishing was significantly higher than the control arch wires (p < 0.01). The root mean square of the surface topography (Sq) and the 10-point height of the surface topography (Sz) were significantly higher on the upper and lower surfaces of the experimental arch wires compared with the controls (p < 0.05 and <0.01 respectively). The SEM photomicrographs of the experimental and control arch wires indicated that the experimental arch wires were pitted and filled with surface impurities. Conclusion An air-powder polishing system using sodium bicarbonate powder alters the surface topography and increases the surface roughness of aged orthodontic arch wires in vitro. Clinical significance The air-powder polishing system used along with scaling alters the surface roughness of orthodontic wire. How to cite this article Talic NF. Effect of Air-powder Polishing on the Surface Topography of Orthodontic Stainless Steel Wires. World J Dent 2017;8(4):262-266.