Interactions between X-/gamma rays and alloys used in dental braces: A study on theory and simulations

Abstract

In the field of dentistry, the utilization of dental X-rays plays a pivotal role in ensuring accurate diagnoses for various dental conditions. A crucial aspect of this practice involves understanding how these X-ray emissions interact with dental braces. In the presented study, the details of how X-rays and gamma rays interact with different materials used in dental braces, namely stainless steel, nitinol, elgiloy, and beta-titanium alloys, were examined. This investigation was carried out through a combination of advanced simulation codes such as FLUKA and GEANT4, alongside theoretical calculations using the WinXCOM approach. A comprehensive analysis was conducted at fourteen distinct energy levels, ranging from 20 to 150 keV with 10 keV increments. The primary focus of this study revolves around quantifying the shielding characteristics of gamma and X rays as they traverse through these dental brace materials. To achieve this, some gamma/X-ray shielding parameters, buildup-factors, and kerma relative to air were meticulously simulated and calculated. Additionally, the energy deposits within these materials and the subsequent generation of secondary radiations are thoroughly explored. Significantly, these results highlight that elgiloy alloy demonstrates the highest attenuation of X-ray and gamma ray intensities compared to the other considered materials. This comprehensive study thus offers valuable insights into the behavior of dental braces when subjected to ionizing radiation, with potential implications for patient safety and diagnostic accuracy in dental radiology.