Metal Brackets Research Articles

Detection of Erosive Changes on Smooth Surfaces with and without Orthodontic Brackets Using an Intraoral Scanner-An In Vitro Study.

Consumption of acidic beverages favours development of erosions. Modern diagnostic methods are required to detect erosions at an early stage. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of an intraoral scanner (IOS) for detection of erosive changes on smooth surfaces adjacent to orthodontic brackets. Orthodontic metal brackets were attached to the buccal surfaces of 58 extracted permanent human teeth. Teeth were randomly divided into groups: A = 6% citric acid, B = Coca-Cola, C = Redbull, D = Powerade, E = Control, no acid exposure. Teeth were exposed to acid in three erosion cycles, followed by rinsing and brushing. Scans of teeth were performed at baseline and after each erosion cycle and enamel loss was measured. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) measurements were performed as reference standard. Significant substance loss was measured in all acid groups after the second and third erosion cycle (p < 0.0001). Correlation between scans and QLF were significant (p = 0.001). With IOS, it was possible to detect and quantify enamel erosion at smooth surfaces with and without orthodontic brackets after a short exposure time. Considering the limitations of in vitro results, the use of IOS can be a promising digital tool to detect and monitor erosive enamel changes during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Shear Bond Strength of Metal and Ceramic Brackets Depending on Etching Protocol in Direct Bonding Technique.

Successful orthodontic therapy, apart from a proper treatment plan, depends on optimal bracket-enamel adhesion. Among numerous factors affecting adhesion, the type of bracket and preparation of the tooth's surface are crucial. The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal and ceramic brackets to the enamel's surface using direct bonding. Forty extracted human premolars were divided into four groups according to the etching method (etch-and-rinse and self-etch) and bracket type. The SBS and adhesive remnant index (ARI) were determined. The ceramic brackets achieved the highest SBS values both in the self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) protocols. Higher SBS values for ceramic and metallic brackets were found in the ER protocol. In all tested groups, the achieved SBS value was satisfactory to withstand orthodontic and occlusal forces. There was no significant difference in the ARI score between study groups (p = 0.71). The fracture occurred between the bracket base and adhesive material in both types of brackets, which decreased the risk of enamel damage during debonding.

A Review on Orthodontic Brackets and Their Application in Clinical Orthodontics.

Braces are undoubtedly a blessing for those whose teeth are misaligned in various ways, yet many people may not enjoy the traditional metal braces. However, some people are totally fine with having their teeth fused with the set of metal brackets and various metal components flowing through. A few people may simply not feel comfortable in that way. Orthodontists have developed a huge array of bracket styles by concentrating on the wide range of preferences and financial constraints that their patients present. These various dental bracket types are all advantageous from one point of view or another. Orthodontic supplies and materials are being produced using technology that is advancing exponentially. Every day, more technologies, processes, and designs emerge. These tools assist the orthodontist in providing patients with the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. Since Edward Hartley Angle's time through MBT brackets and then lingual brackets, orthodontic brackets have advanced significantly. Orthodontists' lives have been greatly facilitated by these brackets. Numerous new materials and designs will be developed as technology progresses. The purpose of this article was to give a general overview of the different orthodontic brackets and demonstrate how the logic underlying them helps orthodontists in their day-to-day jobs.

Finite Element Modeling of a Biological Composite Structure Used in Orthodontic Fixed Appliances

AbstractComposite structures currently represent combinations of materials from the most different structures, chemical compositions, or geometric shapes. There is no scientific or technical field in which these materials, due to their special characteristic properties, are not present. Most of the time it is found that they cannot even be replaced. In this sense, the study presented in this work refers to the behavior of a semibiological structure. This structure is found in the field of dentistry when using fixed dental appliances. The composite structure refers to the metal bracket that is fixed by a bonding and a resin layers that are considered as adhesives to the outer surface of the tooth, i.e., to the enamel that is a biological material. In order to make a prediction of the behavior of structure during the mastication process from the point of view of the displacements and the state of tension, study starts from the practical realization of a joint by gluing the bracket on the surface of a devitalized tooth. Based on it, modeling using the finite element method allows the prediction of masticatory forces based on the analysis of stress states and displacements.

Static friction, surface roughness, and antibacterial activity of orthodontic brackets coated with silver and silver chitosan nanoparticles

To determine the effect of silver and silver chitosan nanocoatings on monocrystalline ceramic, polycrystalline ceramic, and metallic brackets regarding friction, roughness, and antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans. A total of 99 upper right premolar brackets with a 0.022 × 0.025 -inch slot were divided into three groups, each 33 according to coating material; the non-coated group, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and silver chitosan nanoparticles (Ag-CsNPs) groups. Each group was equally subdivided into the following three subgroups regarding bracket materials: monocrystalline ceramic, polycrystalline ceramic, and metallic brackets. A universal testing machine determined static friction on a custom-made acrylic jig. Then a profilometer machine was used to collect roughness data, and finally, the anti-cariogenic effect was measured with the disc diffusion technique's "minimum zone of inhibition" against Streptococcus mutans. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare data between groups and subgroups, followed by the Bonferroni test for multiple pair-wise comparisons. The nanocoating effect on ceramic brackets' static friction was non-significant. The AgNPs and Ag-CsNPs coated metallic group revealed a significant increase in static friction-a significant effect of the nanocoating in the surface roughness of monocrystalline and polycrystalline ceramic brackets. A significant favorable effect of AgNPs and Ag-CsNPs against Streptococcus mutans was observed. AgNPs and Ag-CsNPs coats are unsuitable for decreasing friction in metallic brackets or improving roughness in polycrystalline ceramic brackets. Nano coating can improve roughness in monocrystalline ceramic brackets. Coating brackets with AgNPs and Ag-CsNPs has a tremendous antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans, a substantial factor in the incidence of dental caries.

Comparison of microleakage under orthodontic brackets bonded with five different adhesive systems: in vitro study

BackgroundOrthodontic treatment is associated with numerous adverse side effects, such as enamel discoloration, demineralization or even caries. The presence of microleakage between the enamel and the adhesive and between the adhesive and the base of the orthodontic bracket allows penetration of the bacteria, molecules, and liquids into the enamel and can lead to unpleasant “white spot lesions” or secondary caries beneath and around the brackets. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate microleakage in five adhesive systems commonly used in orthodontic practice for bonding brackets.MethodsOne hundred extracted premolars were divided into five groups of twenty teeth. Stainless steel Legend medium metal brackets were bonded to teeth using five adhesive systems: resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement GC Fuji Ortho LC (GCF) and composite materials Light Bond (LB), Transbond XT (TB), Trulock™ Light Activated Adhesive (TL), and GC Ortho Connect (GCO). The specimens were subjected to thermal cycling, stained with 2% methylene blue, sectioned with low–speed diamond saw Isomet and evaluated under a digital microscope. Microleakage was detected at the enamel-adhesive and adhesive-bracket interfaces from occlusal and gingival margins. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized linear mixed models with beta error distribution.ResultsMicroleakage was observed in all materials, with GCF showing the highest amount of microleakage. Composite materials GCO, TB, and LB exhibited the lowest amount of microleakage with no statistical difference between them, while TL showed a statistically significantly higher amount of microleakage (p < 0.001). The enamel–adhesive interface had more microleakage in all composite materials (GCO, LB, TB, and TL) than the adhesive bracket–interface (p < 0.001). The highest amount of microleakage occurred in the gingival region in all materials.ConclusionComposite materials showed better adhesive properties than a resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement. The presence of microleakage at the enamel-adhesive interface facilitates the penetration of various substances into enamel surfaces, causing enamel demineralization and the development of dental caries.

Bond Strength and Surface Roughness of Two Ceramics After Metal Bracket Debonding.

The aims of this study were to compare the bond strength between metallic brackets and two different glass ceramics and to evaluate the ceramic surface roughness after different finishing protocols. The surface roughness of lithium disilicate and resin matrix ceramic samples was measured (initial). All samples were treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane and bonded to metallic brackets with orthodontic cement adhesive. Shear bond strength tests were performed using a universal testing machine (n=12). The surface roughness was measured again (intermediate, n=6) after removing the remaining cement adhesive from the ceramic surfaces with a diamond or 24-blade bur after polishing the ceramic surfaces (final, n=6). The resin matrix ceramic had the highest bond strength. The rotatory instrument used for the removal of cement adhesive did not affect the surface roughness of the resin matrix ceramic or lithium disilicate (p=0.985 and p=0.504, respectively), but did affect the evaluation time (p<0.001) for both restorative materials. The intermediate roughness was the highest. For the resin matrix ceramic, polishing promoted a final surface roughness similar to the initial condition; however, changes in the surface shape of this ceramic could be visibly observed when using a 24-blade bur. The bond strength of metallic brackets bonded on resin-matrix ceramics is higher than bonding on lithium disilicate. The use of diamond burs for the removal of the remaining adhesive from the resin matrix ceramics is highly recommended.

Comparison of the Degree of Conversion of Orthodontic Adhesive when Cured with Different Curing Lights

Abstract Introduction: The final physical and mechanical properties of composites are determined by the degree of conversion (DC%) of monomer in the composite, which in turn determines the quality of bonding. Incomplete conversion of monomer might lead to the leach of various chemical compounds from the uncured resin. Aims and Objectives: This study assessed the DC% of Transbond XT composite resin when cured with three different light-curing units using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 metallic brackets were used. The bonding system was Transbond XT Primer, followed by Transbond XT composite resin that cured for 10 s, 3 s with Elipar DeepCure-L 3M and Woodpecker iLED, respectively, as recommended by the manufacturers and 20 s by BeeCool light-emitting diode-corded (taken as control) on extracted natural teeth which were mounted on the plaster of Paris base. One millimetre was used to standardise the distance between the light source and each specimen. Immediately after polymerisation, the debonded cured composites were tested using FTIR spectroscopy to assess DC%. Non-cured resin specimens were also subjected to FTIR spectroscopy, to serve as non-cured references. Results: With 3M, Woodpecker and BeeCool, the DC% of monomer was 58.83%, 58.53% and 21.55%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between 3M and Woodpecker lights. BeeCool showed significantly lower DC%. Conclusion: It is essential for clinicians to have prior knowledge of light-curing units before committing to purchase one as the reduction in exposure time is beneficial for both the patient and the orthodontist.

Microhardness and Chemical Composition of Different Metallic Brackets: An In Vitro Study.

The purpose of the study is to compare the hardness of different metallic brackets to enamel and to determine their chemical composition and microstructure. Five metallic brackets (0.022″ × 0.028″ inch) from seven orthodontic firms produced in different alloys (Discovery® Smart/Empower®/Genius®2 Metal/VictoryTM series/Equilibrium®/Damon Q) were chosen (n = 35). The hardness of the brackets and enamel was measured using a microhardness tester. The study of the chemical composition of brackets was carried out on a single bracket per series. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector was used. Analysis of the chemical composition of metallic brackets was obtained with Oxford Instruments Ultim Max Aztec software. Metallic brackets' hardness varied from 203 to 439 HV. A significant difference exists between Ti Equilibrium® brackets, the rest of the brackets and the enamel (p-value = 0.003). No significant difference was found between SSa(stainless-steel alloy), Co-Cra(Cobalt-Chrome) brackets and the enamel. The chemical study confirms that the alloys used to produce metallic brackets validate all the data of the manufacturers except for Genius®2 Metal; according to this study, they are considered to be Co-Cra alloys. The study of the composition of brackets made it possible to confirm manufacturers' data. Genius®2 Metal brackets, Empower®2 and VictoryTM series brackets filled the properties needed for orthodontic treatment. The hardness of metallic brackets is influenced by the alloy used and manufacturing method. Co-Cra brackets with hardness comparable to enamel can be considered as an alternative to SSa brackets in patients allergic to nickel.

Eighteen-Month Orthodontic Bracket Survival Rate with the Conventional Bonding Technique versus RMGIC and V-Prep: A Split-Mouth RCT

The association of the V-prep and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) has shown to be a suitable alternative for the orthodontic bracket bonding procedure in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate over eighteen months the clinical bonding failure and survival rates of the conventional bonding technique using the Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) and the RMGIC Fuji Ortho LC (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) prepared with the V-prep. Therefore, one operator using the straight-wire technique bonded two hundred metallic brackets to upper and lower premolars of twenty-five patients requiring an orthodontic treatment. The randomized trial was a single-blind design in a split-mouth comparison. Each patient was randomly allocated one of the two bonding systems for each premolar on each side of the mouth. The bonding and rebonding techniques were standardized throughout the trial and bond failure was recorded each month for a period of eighteen months. The survival rates of the brackets were estimated by Kaplan–Meier and log-rank test (p &lt; 0.05). A total of 200 orthodontic brackets were included in the study with a significant lower failure rate of 9.0% for the V-prep and RMGIC compared to 25.0% for the conventional bonding technique (p &lt; 0.05). A higher survival rate was observed for the V-prep and RMGIC (16.36 months) over the conventional bonding technique (13.95 months) (p &lt; 0.05). Lower premolar bonding failure was higher than upper premolar for both bonding techniques. The V-prep followed by RMGIC, with enamel surface protection abilities, can be used as an alternative bonding technique in an orthodontic treatment.

Influence of different surface treatment on bonding of metal and ceramic Orthodontic Brackets to CAD-CAM all ceramic materials

BackgroundDeveloping efficient bonding techniques for orthodontic brackets and all-ceramic materials continues to pose a clinical difficulty. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strengths (SBS) of metal and ceramic brackets to various all-ceramic CAD-CAM materials, such as lithium disilicate CAD (LDS-CAD), polymer-infiltrated ceramic (PIC), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramic (ZLS), and 5YTZP zirconia after different surface treatments and thermal cycling.Materials and methodsThe samples were divided into two groups to be bonded with ceramic and metal lower incisor brackets. Each group was subdivided into a control group devoid of any surface treatment, 10% HF acid (HFA) etching, ceramic etch & prime (MEP), Al2O3 air abrasion, and medium grit diamond bur roughening. After surface treatment, brackets were bonded with composite resin cement, thermal cycled, and tested for shear bond strength. The failed surfaces were evaluated with a digital microscope to analyse the type of failure. The data were statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests at p < 0.05.ResultsThe highest mean bond strengths were found with HFA etching in LDS-CAD (13.17 ± 0.26 MPa) and ZLS (12.85 0.52 MPa). Diamond bur recorded the lowest mean bond strength roughening across all the ceramic groups. There were significant differences in mean shear bond values per surface treatment (p < 0.001) and ceramic materials.ConclusionAmong the surface treatment protocols evaluated, HFA etching and MEP surface treatment resulted in enhanced bond strength of both ceramic and metal brackets to CAD-CAM all ceramic materials.

The Effect of Bonding Surface Design on Shear Bond Strength of 3D-Printed Orthodontic Attachments.

This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) of four innovative designs of the bonding surface of 3D-printed orthodontic attachments with conventional mesh design. In this in vitro study, the bonding surface design in different groups was as follows: Group 1, flat surface without any feature as a negative control; Group 2, concentric circles with no cuts; Group 3, concentric circles with 16 radial cuts; Group 4, concentric circles with 32 radial cuts; Group 5, small cones with a flat end and rounded edges; Group 6, mesh-based commercially available metal brackets of the maxillary central incisor (standard edgewise, Dentaurum®) as a positive control (n = 20). In Groups 1-5, attachments were designed with SolidWorks® Software and printed with a 2K DLP-LCD printer with hard tough resin (eSun®). All the samples were bonded to the restorative composite resin (Solafil®) surfaces with orthodontic composite resin (CuRAY-ECLIPSE®). The samples were examined for SBS with a universal testing machine after thermocycling (1,000 cycles of 5‒55°C). Data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni tests. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. The mean SBS was significantly different between all the groups (P < 0.001) except for Groups 2 and 5 (P = 1.00) and Groups 2 and 6 (P = 1.00). Group 4 had the highest mean of SBS. The bonding surface design significantly influenced the SBS of orthodontic attachments. The concentric circles with 32 cuts had higher bond strength than other designs and can be suggested as a new bonding surface design for orthodontic attachments.

Cyclic shear fatigue of orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel using self-adhering flowable composites

BackgroundSelf-adhering composites are claimed to bond to teeth without prior acid etching and bonding steps. This study aimed to evaluate the cyclic shear fatigue (CSF) of metal orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel using self-adhering flowable composites (Constic and VertiseTM Flow) in comparison with that of total-etch and self-etch adhesives. Materials and methodsTwenty-five human premolars comprising 100 surfaces were randomly divided into four groups (n = 25): total-etch, self-etch, Constic, and VertiseTM Flow. A total of 10 surfaces were used per group for baseline static shear bond strength (SSBS) evaluation and 15 surfaces for CSF evaluation. Each tooth was treated with the four bonding agents. Both SSBS and CSF were evaluated using a universal testing machine. For CSF, the staircase method was used with an initial pulling load equivalent to 60% of the SSBS of each group for 1000 cycles or until failure. The adhesive remaining index (ARI) was evaluated for surviving samples using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysisA one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was used to analyze the CSF data, and a chi-square test was used to analyze the ARI. ResultsThe total-etch adhesive showed significantly higher CSF values than that of the other groups (p < 0.001). Both total-etch (10.78 ± 0.31 MPa) and self-etch (6.75 ± 0.91 MPa) adhesives showed significantly higher CSF than did Constic (1.94 ± 0.31 MPa) and VertiseTM Flow (2.01 ± 0.25 MPa), (p < 0.001). The ARI indicated that more resin remnants were observed with the total-etch and self-etch adhesives than those with the self-adhering flowable composites. However, no significant differences were observed among groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionsTotal-etch and self-etch adhesives showed satisfactory bond strengths for orthodontic treatment. However, Constic and VertiseTM Flow self-adhering flowable composites may not be clinically sufficient for bonding metallic orthodontic brackets to enamel.

Simulated seismic testing of two pitched roofs constructed using timber trusses extracted from vintage unreinforced masonry buildings

AbstractTwo roof structures representing vintage unreinforced masonry (URM) building components were subjected to longitudinal pseudo‐static cyclic loading. The overall roof dimensions were 8.94 m (span) by 3.1 m (length), with each roof incorporating a pair of as‐built timber trusses that were retrieved from two demolished URM buildings. Both roofs were tested first with nailed connections representing original construction and then again with connections that included proprietary metal brackets and straps representing a remediation of the original construction. The loading was applied perpendicular to the trusses, hence parallel to the diaphragm purlins. Damage patterns and deformation profiles were used to interpret the mechanics governing the roof behaviour utilizing existing modelling techniques for timber floors. It was found that the roof behaviour was shear‐dominated, akin to the in‐plane response of timber floors. For the direction of applied loading, both roof stiffness and roof strength were governed by the strength of the connections between the trusses and the diaphragm purlin members and the purlin spacing. Consistent with these findings, a method was suggested to estimate the stiffness and strength of similar roof structures that may have different aspect ratios using the results from the tests. A comparison between the various test results showed that implementing upgrades that were focused on the connections significantly improved the roof stiffness and roof strength.

Quantifying the Release of Titanium From the Titanium Dioxide-Impregnated Composites Used in Orthodontic Bonding.

Previous literature data has extensively assessed the biocompatibility of various orthodontic adhesives and their components, where the results of most of the studies showed cytotoxic effects of different degrees owing to the unbound molecules released structurally from the cured components. The present in-vitro study was aimed to assess the release of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the artificial saliva from the orthodontic composites impregnated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles of 5% w/w (weight/weight) and 1% w/wused for metal brackets bonding. The study assessed 160 teeth extracted freshly during orthodontic treatment and divided into two groups of 80 samples, each that bonded to orthodontic brackets having 5% w/w and 1% w/w composites with titanium dioxide nanoparticles kept in the artificial saliva.Quantification was done for 5% w/w and 1% w/w composites having titanium nanoparticles with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy at 24 hours, two, four, and six months. It was seen that in teeth with 1% titanium dioxide, the greatest titanium release was seen at two months, with non-significant release after two months.In teeth with 5% w/w titanium dioxide nanoparticlesshowed significant titanium release all the time.A significantly greater titanium dioxide release on increasing concentration from 1% to 5% was seen for the 5% w/w group at all the assessment times. The present study concludes that a higher release of titanium is seen in 5% w/w composite containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and the concentrations of 1% and 5% can be safely used and are considered to be within permissible limits.

Evaluation of enamel roughness after orthodontic debonding and clean-up procedures using zirconia, tungsten carbide, and white stone burs: an in vitro study

BackgroundThe main goal of orthodontic debonding is to restore the enamel surface as closely as possible to its pretreatment condition without iatrogenic damage. This study aimed to compare the effects of different adhesive removal burs; zirconia burs, tungsten carbide burs, and white stone burs on enamel surface roughness.Materials and methodsTotal sample of 72 extracted premolars was randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 24) depending on the method of adhesive removal: zirconia burs (ZB); tungsten carbide burs (TC); and white stones (WS). The metal brackets were bonded using Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive (3 M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) and debonded after 24 h using a debonding plier, then the ARI was assessed. The adhesive remnants were removed using the different burs and Final polishing was performed using Sof-lex discs and spirals. Thirteen samples from each group were evaluated using a Mitutoyo SJ-210 profilometer to determine average surface roughness (Ra) and three samples from each group were examined under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to determine EDI score. The evaluations were performed at three time points; before bonding (T0), after adhesive removal (T1) and after polishing (T2) and the time consumed for adhesive removal by burs was recorded in seconds. The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, Tukey’s test and Kruskal–Wallis H-test.ResultsKruskal–Wallis H-test showed no statistically significant difference of ARI in all studied groups (p = 0.845) and two-way mixed ANOVA revealed that all burs significantly increased surface roughness at T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.001) in all groups with the lowest Ra values were observed in the ZB group, followed by the TC group, and WS group. The fastest procedure was performed with WS, followed by ZB, then TC bur (p < 0.001). After polishing (T2), Ra values showed no significant difference in ZB group (P = 0.428) and TC group (P = 1.000) as compared to T0, while it was significant in WS group (p < 0.001).Conclusionzirconia bur was comparable to tungsten carbide bur and can be considered as alternative to white stone which caused severe enamel damage. The polishing step created smoother surface regardless of the bur used for resin removal.

Effectiveness of Two Intensity Levels of Diode Laser in Debonding Metallic Brackets Regarding Enamel Surface Integrity and Pulpal Temperature: An Ex-Vivo Study.

The traditional methods of deboning metal brackets exert excessive force, resulting in enamel scratches, fractures, and patient discomfort. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using two intensity levels of a diode laser for debonding metallic orthodontic brackets as an alternative to the conventional debonding method. Sixty intact, extracted human premolar teeth were used in this study, and metal orthodontic brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of these teeth. The teeth were divided into three groups for the experiment: (1) the control group, where conventional bracket debonding was performed using a debonding plier, (2) the first experimental group, where a diode laser (2.5W, 980nm) was utilized for laser debonding, and (3) the second experimental group, where a diode laser (5W, 980nm) was used for laser debonding. The laser was applied using a sweeping movement for 5 seconds. After debonding, the adhesive remnant index (ARI), the lengths, and the frequency of enamel cracks were compared among the groups. Additionally, an increase in intra-pulpal temperature was measured. In all groups, there were no instances of enamel fractures. Laser debonding resulted in a significant reduction in both the frequency and length of newly formed enamel cracks compared to the conventional debonding method. The laser debonding group exhibited increases in intra-pulpal temperature of 2.37°C and 3.60°C in the second and third groups, respectively. These temperature increases were significantly lower than the threshold of 5.5°C. There were no significant differences observed in the ARI scores among the groups. With all debonding methods, an increase in the length and frequency of enamel cracks should be anticipated. However, laser-assisted debonding of metal brackets offers the advantage of reducing the risk of enamel damage while avoiding thermal damage to the pulp.

Assessment of Enamel Demineralization Following the Use of Different Orthodontic Bracket Materials, Etchants, and Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to assess enamel demineralization depth following the use of different bracket materials, etchants, and adhesive systems. Ninety-nine extracted human premolars were assigned to nine groups (eight experimental and one control), each including 11 specimens. The experimental groups were bonded to either metal or ceramic brackets and prepared using a total-or self-etchant with a pre-coated or flash-free adhesive system. All specimens were immersed in an artificial demineralization solution for 7 days at pH 4.5 and 37 °C. The brackets were debonded, and the specimens were sectioned buccolingually at the right and left sides of the bracket base margins. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the demineralization depth using ImageJ software. Significantly deeper enamel demineralization was observed in all bonded teeth compared to non-bonded teeth (p &lt; 0.001). The adhesive system had no significant effect on the demineralization depth. Metal brackets caused significantly deeper enamel demineralization than ceramic brackets (p &lt;0.005). The use of the total-etch surface treatment caused deeper demineralization compared to that of the self-etch treatment. In conclusion, bonded teeth exhibit deeper enamel demineralization than non-bonded teeth. Metal brackets contribute to deeper demineralization than ceramic brackets. The total-etch surface treatment caused deeper demineralization than self-etch when combined with metal brackets and a pre-coated adhesive system.

Comparison of Surface Topography Changes from Conventional Metal Brackets and Self-Ligating Metal Brackets after Immersion in Three Different Mouthwashes using Atomic Force Microscopy: An in vitro Study.

The main aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the surface changes from conventional metal brackets and self-ligating metal brackets after immersion in three different mouthwashes. Sixteen conventional metal brackets and sixteen metal self-ligating brackets were evenly grouped and immersed in deionized water, chlorhexidine mouthwash, herbal mouthwash, and betadine mouthwash for seven days and the surface changes were evaluated using nondestructive AFM. The surface roughness was evaluated at 30 μm and the results showed that more surface roughness was observed P < 0.05 in betadine mouthwash groups and followed by herbal mouthwash and least in chlorhexidine mouthwash. Based on the AFM results, the surface changes were more pronounced in both groups which were immersed in betadine and herbal mouthwash than others and the choice of mouthwash should be considered before prescribing to the patients.

A comparison of bond strength and adhesive remnant index of 3D-printed and metal orthodontic brackets attached using different adhesives

Abstract Introduction The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores of two different adhesive applications of aesthetic brackets produced from permanent crown material using 3D-printing technology. Methods Sixty maxillary premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into two main groups according to the type of bracket (metal brackets n=30, 3D-printed brackets n=30) and further divided into two subgroups according to the type of adhesive (flowable composite, Tokuyama SuperLow; non-flowable composite; 3M Transbond XT). SBS and ARI score evaluations were conducted in the experimental and control subgroups (n=15). Statistical analysis was performed by a one-way analysis of variance, a post-hoc test, and Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was accepted as P &lt; 0.05. Results The bond strength of the specimens was significantly affected by the type of composite and bracket type (P &lt; 0.001). However, the SBS values were within or above the desired range for orthodontic treatment in all groups. The highest SBS value was obtained in the Metal Bracket-Transbond XT group (15.03 ± 6.66), while the lowest SBS value was observed in the 3D-Printed Bracket-Transbond XT group (7.91 ± 3.07). It was noted that of all materials evaluated, the most common non-enamel-damaging adhesive–cohesive fractures were in 3D-Printed Bracket Tokuyama SuperLow group (n=13). Conclusions It is recommended that 3D-printed orthodontic brackets have sufficient and acceptable SBS levels for clinical applications and bonding using non-flowable adhesives to produce high SBS values and using flowable adhesives generating high ARI scores.