Abstract
In the current state of our knowledge, the effects of corrosion on the performance of orthodontic appliances and on patient health are far from clear. Awareness of these problems has led to a growing demand for nickel-free products. Titanium brackets were recently launched on the market as an alternative to stainless-steel brackets. However, the use of fluorides for caries prevention creates a risk of corrosion of these titanium appliances. The aim of this study is to examine the corrosion of stainless-steel and titanium brackets in clinical orthodontic use, focusing on the impact of fluorine. After approval by the ethics committee and the informed consent of the patients, 30 candidates for multi-bracket treatment were selected on the basis of certain exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1: titanium brackets and fluorine protection; group 2: titanium brackets without fluorine protection; group 3: stainless-steel brackets and fluorine protection; group 4: stainless-steel brackets without fluorine protection. Analysis of the brackets removed after 4months in the mouth, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with phase contrast, revealed a difference in the surface topography of the metal brackets and the presence of chromium coating on the surface of the titanium appliances.
Published Version
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