Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this in vitro study was to analyze color stability of monocrystalline and polycrystalline ceramic brackets after immersion in dye solutions.MethodsSeven ceramic brackets of four commercial brands were tested: Two monocrystalline and two polycrystalline. The brackets were immersed in four dye solutions (coffee, red wine, Coke and black tea) and in artificial saliva for the following times: 24 hours, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. Color changes were measured by a spectrophotometer. Data were assessed by Multivariate Profile Analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Comparison Tests of means.ResultsThere was a perceptible change of color in all ceramic brackets immersed in coffee (ΔE* Allure = 7.61, Inspire Ice = 6.09, Radiance = 6.69, Transcend = 7.44), black tea (ΔE* Allure = 6.24, Inspire Ice = 5.21, Radiance = 6.51, Transcend = 6.14) and red wine (ΔE* Allure = 6.49, Inspire Ice = 4.76, Radiance = 5.19, Transcend = 5.64), but no change was noticed in Coke and artificial saliva (ΔE < 3.7).ConclusionCeramic brackets undergo color change when exposed to solutions of coffee, black tea and red wine. However, the same crystalline structure, either monocrystalline or polycrystalline, do not follow the same or a similar pattern in color change, varying according to the bracket fabrication, which shows a lack of standardization in the manufacturing process. Coffee dye produced the most marked color changes after 21 days of immersion for most ceramic brackets evaluated.
Highlights
The first esthetic brackets appeared in the 70’s and were made from polycarbonate, a plastic material
In the mid-1980s, other types of material were tested to meet the esthetic needs of the orthodontic market, and that was when esthetic ceramic brackets appeared
These brackets are mainly made from aluminum oxide and are available in two forms according to the manufacturing process: polycrystalline or monocrystalline.[4,5]
Summary
The first esthetic brackets appeared in the 70’s and were made from polycarbonate, a plastic material. These brackets were reasonably esthetic, this material did not present suitable properties for clinical use. In the mid-1980s, other types of material were tested to meet the esthetic needs of the orthodontic market, and that was when esthetic ceramic brackets appeared. These brackets are mainly made from aluminum oxide and are available in two forms according to the manufacturing process: polycrystalline or monocrystalline.[4,5]. Monocrystalline brackets are made of a single crystal produced from the combination of particles of aluminum oxide fused at a higher temperature (2100°C) and cooled slowly, enabling thorough control of crystallization.[4,7]
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