Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroduction: The most currently recommended method for sterilization of orthodontic pliers is the autoclave, while peracetic acid has also been shown to be effective in the chemical sterilization process. Objective: This study sought to compare the corrosive effects of peracetic acid and autoclave sterilization process of orthodontic pliers. Methods: Four active tungsten carbide (WC) stainless steel tie-cutting pliers from the manufacturers Quinelato (Rio Claro, SP, Brazil) and ICE (Cajamar, SP, Brazil) were selected. The active ends of the pliers were sectioned, and six active tips were obtained and distributed into the following groups: 1) control group (no sterilization); 2) AC group (two active pliers tips submitted to 100 autoclave sterilization cycles); and 3) AP group (two active pliers tips submitted to 100 cycles of sterilization by immersion in 2% peracetic acid solution for 30 minutes). Results: Chemical analysis using X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy showed that after autoclave sterilization, only the ICE pliers presented oxidation corrosion (Δ[O] = +24.5%; Δ[Fe] = +5.8%; Δ[WC] = -1.9%). In comparison, following peracetic acid sterilization, both manufacturers ICE (Δ[O] = +1.8%; Δ[Fe] = +18.0%; Δ[WC] = -1.1%) and Quinelato (Δ[O] = +5.3%; Δ[Fe] = -10.4%; Δ[WC] = -15.2%) showed corrosion. The morphological analysis revealed that peracetic acid caused a pitting and localized corrosion in both brands, while the autoclave caused uniform surface corrosion on the ICE pliers. Conclusion: Autoclave application was the sterilization method that generated less corrosive damage to the orthodontic cutting pliers, when compared to the immersion in 2% peracetic acid.
Highlights
The most currently recommended method for sterilization of orthodontic pliers is the autoclave, while peracetic acid has been shown to be effective in the chemical sterilization process
The morphological analysis revealed that peracetic acid caused a pitting and localized corrosion in both brands, while the autoclave caused uniform surface corrosion on the ICE pliers
The reasons for the high percentage of disinfection noncompliance can be attributed to the large volume of patients treated on a day, the shorter duration of care, the cost of care, time taken for the entire sterilization process, and the shortening of the duration of the pliers when subjected to constant autoclave sterilization.[3]
Summary
The most currently recommended method for sterilization of orthodontic pliers is the autoclave, while peracetic acid has been shown to be effective in the chemical sterilization process. There are several chemical and physical sterilization methods, the autoclave is the most widely used and recommended for dental use.[1]. The steam moistens the materials, transmit heat, pressure and eliminates microorganisms, bu means of protein coagulation.[2] repeated cycles of autoclave sterilization can induce corrosion on metallic instruments,[3] and may negatively influence the ability of the instruments subjected to such a process, especially cutting pliers.[4] These damages could lead to a reduction in the duration of the pliers and an increase of cost, due to the need of replacing these orthodontic materials
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