Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

6 p.

Publication Date

3-2007

Publisher

The E. H. Angle Education and Research Foundation Inc.

Source Publication

The Angle Orthodontist

Source ISSN

0003-3219

Original Item ID

doi: 10.2319/0003-3219(2007)077[0355:GCOMIM]2.0.CO;2

Abstract

Objective: To compare the galvanic coupling of conventional and metal injection molded (MIM) brackets with commonly used orthodontic archwires.

Materials and Methods: Six of each type of bracket were suspended in lactic acid along with a sample of orthodontic wire (three nickel-titanium and three copper-nickel-titanium) for 28 days at 37°C. The potential differences between the wires and brackets were recorded per second throughout the duration of the experiment.

Results: The MIM brackets exhibited potential differences similar to those seen for the conventional brackets. The greatest potential difference was found for MIM brackets with nickel-titanium wires (512 mV), whereas MIM brackets with copper-nickel-titanium wires had the smallest difference (115 mV). Scanning electron microscope (SEM)–energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis of the tie-wing area of each bracket type indicated similar elemental composition in both brackets, but in slightly different percentages by weight. The MIM bracket exhibited extensive internal porosity, whereas the conventional bracket was more solid internally.

Conclusion: The composition and manufacturing processes involved in fabricating MIM brackets impart corrosive properties similar to those seen in the bracket-wing area of conventional brackets and may provide a measurable benefit when taking into account the increased corrosion between the bracket and brazing alloy of conventional brackets.

Comments

Published version. The Angle Orthodontist, Vol. 77, No. 2 (March 2007): 355-360. DOI. © 2007 The E. H. Angle Education and Research Foundation Inc. Used with permission.

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