Comparison of ion release from new and recycled orthodontic brackets.

Bracket corrosion can occur in the oral environment. The purpose of this study was to compare the release of metal ions from new and recycled brackets in artificial saliva and buffers with different pH values over a 12-week immersion period. The brackets were divided into 2 groups: new and recycled. The recycled bracket bases were coated with adhesive and the brackets were heat treated. Nickel, chromium, iron, and manganese ions were detected by atomic absorption. The surface characteristics of the brackets were examined by energy dispersive radiographic analysis. The results were as follows: (1) Recycled brackets released more ions than did the new brackets. (2) Greater amounts of nickel, iron, and manganese ions were released in artificial saliva than in the other buffers tested. (3) Ion release from brackets in a pH 4 buffer was greater than that observed in pH 7 or pH 10 buffers. (4) The total amount of ion release increased with time. (5) After a 12-week immersion, the total ion release averaged over the period did not exceed the recommended daily intake.     

Metal ion release from new and recycled stainless steel brackets

As orthodontic appliances can corrode with time in the oral environment, the aim of this study was to compare the release of metal ions from new and recycled brackets immersed in buffers of different pH values over a 48 week period. To simulate commercial recycling, the stainless steel brackets were divided into two groups: new and recycled. The bases of the latter were coated with adhesive and the brackets were heat treated before being immersed in the test solution for 48 weeks. The release of nickel, chromium, iron, copper, cobalt and manganese ions was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Differences were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that recycled brackets released more ions than new brackets (P < 0.05). Brackets immersed in solutions of pH 4 released more ions than those immersed in solutions of pH 7, and the total amount of ions released increased with time over the 48 week period (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that both new and recycled brackets will corrode in the oral environment. To avoid clinical side-effects, metal brackets should be made more resistant to corrosion, and recycled brackets should not be used.     

Evaluation of friction of conventional and metal-insert ceramic brackets in various bracket-archwire combinations.

The purpose of the study was to measure and compare the level of frictional resistance generated between conventional ceramic brackets (Transcend Series 6000, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), ceramic brackets with stainless steel slot (Clarity, 3M Unitek), conventional stainless steel brackets (Victory Series, 3M Unitek), and 3 different orthodontic wire alloys: stainless steel (stainless steel, SDS Ormco, Glendora, Calif), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti, SDS Ormco), and beta-titanium (TMA, SDS Ormco). All brackets had a 0.022-in slot, and orthodontic wire alloys were tested in 3 different sections: 0.016 in, 0.017 x 0.025 in, and 0.019 x 0.025 in. Each of the 27 bracket-archwire combinations was tested 10 times, and each test was performed with a new bracket-wire sample. Static and kinetic friction were measured on a specially designed apparatus. All data were statistically analyzed (analysis of variance and Scheffé for the bracket effect, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney for the alloy and section effects). Metal-insert ceramic brackets generated significantly lower frictional forces than did conventional ceramic brackets, but higher values than stainless steel brackets, in agreement with the findings of the few previous reports. Beta-titanium archwires had higher frictional resistances than did stainless steel and nickel-titanium archwires. No significant differences were found between stainless steel and nickel-titanium archwires. All the brackets showed higher static and kinetic frictional forces as the wire size increased. Metal-insert ceramic brackets are not only visually pleasing, but also a valuable alternative to conventional stainless steel brackets in patients with esthetic demands.     

Evaluation of friction of stainless steel and esthetic self-ligating brackets in various bracket-archwire combinations.

This study measured and compared the level of frictional resistance generated between stainless steel self-ligating brackets (Damon SL II, SDS Ormco, Glendora, Calif), polycarbonate self-ligating brackets (Oyster, Gestenco International, G?thenburg, Sweden), and conventional stainless steel brackets (Victory Series, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), and 3 different orthodontic wire alloys: stainless steel (Stainless Steel, SDS Ormco), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti, SDS Ormco), and beta-titanium (TMA, SDS Ormco). All brackets had a.022-in slot, whereas the orthodontic wire alloys were tested in 3 different sections:.016,.017 x.025, and.019 x 0.025 in. Each of the 27 bracket and archwire combinations was tested 10 times, and each test was performed with a new bracket-wire sample. Both static and kinetic friction were measured on a custom-designed apparatus. All data were statistically analyzed (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests). Stainless steel self-ligating brackets generated significantly lower static and kinetic frictional forces than both conventional stainless steel and polycarbonate self-ligating brackets, which showed no significant differences between them. Beta-titanium archwires had higher frictional resistances than stainless steel and nickel-titanium archwires. No significant differences were found between stainless steel and nickel-titanium archwires. All brackets showed higher static and kinetic frictional forces as the wire size increased.     

Bond strength of thermally recycled metal brackets

Bracket recycling has emerged concurrently with the practice of direct bonding. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of recycling on the retention of mesh-backed stainless steel brackets. Mesh strand diameter was measured on forty new brackets. These brackets were bonded to recently extracted human premolar teeth, and the tensile force required to fracture each bond was recorded. The brackets were then reconditioned by a thermal process. The mesh strand size was remeasured and the tensile test was repeated. It was found that (1) mesh strand diameter decreased 7 percent during the reconditioning process (93.89 microns +/- 3.17 S.D. compared to 87.07 microns +/- 4.76 S.D., z = 17.62, P less than 1 X 10(-5) ), (2) new bracket bonds were 6 percent stronger than recycled bracket bonds (43.88 pounds +/- 7.98 S.D. bond strength), and (3) reduction in mesh strand diameter during the reconditioning process did not correlate with changes in bond strength between initial and recycled bonding (Pearson r = 0.038).     

金属托槽再次粘结后的剪切强度评价

目的：研究金属托槽再次粘结的抗剪切强度,并对重新粘结前的底板处理方法进行对比研究。方法：选正畸需要而拔除的离体双尖牙30颗,首次粘结托槽24h后予以去除,以此为实验标本,随机分为三组,每组10颗牙齿。第一组粘结新托槽,第二、三组粘结旧托槽,其中第二组托槽底板的残余粘结剂通过火烧去掉,第三组为保留底板槽沟内的粘结剂而将底板刮平。24h后,通过力学实验机,分别测定以上三组的剪切强度。并对每一牙面上的粘结剂残留量进行统计。结果：以上三组之间的平均抗剪切强度均无显著性差异。结论：金属托槽的重复利用仍能达到满意的粘结强度;新旧粘合剂之间可能存在着较强的化学结合。     

Fluoride release from a new glass-ionomer cement

This study compared the amount and pattern of fluoride release from a new glass-ionomer-based material (nano-ionomer) with other restorative materials and correlated the surface area to volume of nano-sized filler with its capacity to release fluoride in the powder, more quickly increasing the fluoride. The materials evaluated were a nano-ionomer (Ketac N 100), a conventional glass-ionomer cement (GC Fuji II), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji II LC), a compomer (Dyract F) and a fluoride-releasing resin composite (Tetric N Flow). A resin composite (Synergy Flow) served as the control. Ten specimens were fabricated from each of these materials using a customized metal mold. The fluoride release was measured every 24 hours for the first seven days, and on days 14, 21 and 28, a combination fluoride ion—selective electrode connected to an ion analyzer. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p=0.05). An initial fluoride “burst effect” was seen with all of the materials, except for the control and compomer. The conventional glass-ionomer cement showed the highest fluoride release on the first three days. The nano-ionomer showed the maximum release of fluoride for the remaining days. A low constant level of fluoride release was seen from the compomer and fluoride-releasing resin composite throughout the study period.     

Comparison of release of mercury from three dental amalgams

Mercury release from dental amalgams has generated considerable concern in recent years and is the subject of this study. Specimens of one admixed high-copper amalgam (Contour), one lathe-cut low-copper amalgam (SDI), and a new tin- and copper-free amalgam claimed to be non-mercury-releasing (Composil) were evaluated for release of mercury when incubated in purified water at 37 degrees C. Measurement of mercury was done by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the amount released was expressed as micrograms/cm2/24 hr. Study was conducted over a four-week period. Results show that Contour and SDI released similar insignificant amounts (mean release of less than 0.1 microgram/cm2/24 hr) compared with Composil (mean release of 41.0 micrograms/cm2/24 hr). The difference in release by Composil compared with that by Contour and SDI is highly significant (P less than 0.001). The implications of chronic release of mercury from dental amalgams are discussed. Long-term release studies are in progress.     

The release of metal ions from orthodontic appliances: Animal tests

Objective:To investigate the release of metal ions from an orthodontic appliance in tests on animals (pigs).Materials and Methods:An animal test was conducted on 24 pigs divided equally into an experimental and a control group. In total, 12 sets of experimental orthodontic plates were surgically inserted into pig snouts in the experimental group for 6 months. Noninvasive matrices (hair [0, 3, and 6 months]) and invasive matrices (kidneys, liver, lungs, aorta, and oral mucosa) were collected for multi-elemental analysis (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) from the experimental and control groups.Results:The greatest differences in the content of toxic metals were found in the aorta (Ni level was 4.8 times higher in experimental than in the control group), in the cheek (Ni 3.5 times higher), and in the hair sampled after 3 months (Cr 3.4 times higher).Conclusions:The obtained data indicate that the products of corrosion have passed into selected tissues of pigs; however, the doses of toxic metal ions released from the appliance did not reach toxic levels.     

Shear bond strength of new and recycled brackets to enamel

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the shear bond strength of recycled orthodontic brackets. S2C-03Z brackets (Dental Morelli, Brazil) were bonded to the buccal surfaces of 50 extracted human premolars using Concise Orthodontic chemically cured composite resin (3M, USA). The teeth were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=10), as follows. In group I (control), the bonded brackets remained attached until shear testing (i.e., no debonding/rebonding). In groups II, III and IV, the bonded brackets were detached and rebonded after recycling by 90-microm particle aluminum oxide blasting, silicon carbide stone grinding or an industrial process at a specialized contractor company (Abzil-Lancer, Brazil), respectively. In group V, the bonded brackets were removed and new brackets were bonded to the enamel surface. Shear bond strength was tested in an Instron machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the control brackets (0.52 kgf/mm2), brackets recycled by aluminum oxide blasting (0.34 kgf/mm2) and new brackets attached to previously bonded teeth (0.43 kgf/mm2). Brackets recycled by the specialized company (0.28 kgf/mm2) and those recycled by silicon carbide stone grinding (0.14 kgf/mm2) showed the lowest shear strength means and differed statistically from control brackets (0.52 kgf/mm2) (p<0.05). In conclusion, the outcomes of this study showed that bracket recycling using 90-microm aluminum oxide particle air-abrasion was efficient and technically simple, and might provide cost reduction for orthodontists and patients alike.     

Fluoride release from new light-cured orthodontic bonding agents.

The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of fluoride release with time from 1 nonfluoridated and 3 fluoride-containing orthodontic bonding materials in distilled water and artificial saliva. Materials tested were Assure (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), Fuji Ortho LC (GC, Tokyo, Japan), Python (TP Orthodontics, LaPorte, Ind), and Transbond XT (3M Dental Products, Monrovia, Calif). Ten specimens of each material type were stored in distilled water, and 10 of each type were stored in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. Fluoride release was measured with an ion-specific electrode. Readings were taken periodically for a total time period of 6 months. At day 1, Assure released the most fluoride into distilled water (66.2 microg/cm(2)) and into artificial saliva (65.8 microg/cm(2)), followed by Fuji Ortho LC (25.9 microg/cm(2); 18.8 microg/cm(2)), Python (6.3 microg/cm(2); 4.2 microg/cm(2)), and Transbond (0.1 microg/cm(2); 0.1 microg/cm(2)). The fluoride release rates were highest during the first days of testing, declining to lower but more stable levels. At the end of 6 months, Fuji Ortho LC released the most fluoride (3.8 microg/cm(2); 3.5 microg/cm(2)) followed by Assure (3.1 microg/cm(2); 2.8 microg/cm(2)), Python (2.6 microg/cm(2); 1.7 microg/cm(2)), and Transbond (0.1 microg/cm(2); 0.1 microg/cm(2)). The type of storage medium did not dramatically affect fluoride release. The second part of the study, undertaken after a year of sample storage, tested the 20 samples of Assure for a further 2-week period, after exposure to running and still distilled water. Although fluoride release rates declined with time, they were still higher than the 1.5 microg/cm(2) level that is referenced as inhibiting decalcification of enamel in a clinical environment. Release rates were similar in running and still water at all time points. Throughout the 6-month period, all 3 fluoride-containing materials had rates of fluoride release that could theoretically inhibit decalcification of enamel.     

Dynamic study about metal release from titanium miniplates in maxillofacial surgery.

It has been shown that titanium (Ti) has had dramatic success in many surgical procedures as a result of its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. There is still concern, however, about the release of metal and controversy surrounding whether or not the plates should be removed after bone healing. This study has been conducted to investigate whether or not there is a relationship between duration of plating and metal release from Ti miniplates in maxillofacial surgery. A prospective cohort study design was used. The concentration of Ti, in the soft tissues covering the plates, was examined in all patients who underwent removal of Ti miniplates from January 1998 to April 1999 (51 cases). Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry was used to measure Ti. Total ti and soluble Ti levels were compared to duration of plating (ranged from 15 days to 3 years, mean = 8 months). Correlation coefficients and two-way ANOVA were data processed. The average amount of total Ti in the soft tissues surrounding the plates was 1306 micrograms/g dry tissue. The mean of soluble Ti was 0.53 microgram/g dry tissue. The results of this study do not support the existence of a relationship between duration of plating and total Ti (correlation coefficient = 0.093 (P > 0.1) nor soluble Ti (correlation coefficient = 0.009 (P > 0.1) in the soft tissue surrounding the plates. Moreover, the only independent factor of Ti release found was associated with mechanical constraints during surgery. Almost 100% of Ti is released during the osteosynthesis. Then Ti levels remain constant in the surrounding tissues. Most of the time, Ti seems to be clinically inert. Compared to the possible risks of a second operation, removal of Ti miniplates should not be a routine procedure except in the case of complaints from patients, particularly in the case of infection, hypersensitivity, dehiscence or screw loosening.     

The effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on metal ion release from dental amalgam

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentration on metal ion release from dental amalgam. METHODS: Dental amalgam discs (n=25) were prepared by packing amalgam into cylindrical plastic moulds (10 mm diameter and 2 mm height). The discs were divided into five equal groups and each group was immersed in 20 ml of either 0%, 1%, 3%, 10% or 30% HP solution for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Samples were taken for metal ion release determination (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The surface roughness of each disc was measured before and after bleaching. RESULTS: The differences in concentration of metal ions released after treatment with 0% (control) and each of 1%, 3%, 10% and 30% HP were statistically significant (p<0.05). Metal ion release for the elements (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) increased with exposure to increasing concentrations of HP. Surface roughness measurements of the samples before and after treatments with HP solutions were not significantly different (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to HP bleaching agent was associated with increased metal ion released from dental amalgams compared to treatment with a control solution. Ion release was in proportion to the peroxide concentration tested, with the highest concentration associated with the greatest metal ion release for all elements investigated.     

A comparison of shear bond strengths between new and recycled ceramic brackets

The recycling of 'used' ceramic brackets in the orthodontic surgery has been previously described. The present study investigated the shear bond strength of both recycled and new ceramic brackets. The mean shear bond strengths of the new and recycled ceramic brackets were 259.7 +/- 88.2 N and 187.2 +/- 60.8 N, respectively. Although significantly lower (P less than 0.01), the bond strength of recycled ceramic brackets appeared to be clinically adequate. There appeared to be little difference in the variation in bond strength between the new and recycled ceramic bracket group. Our results showed that the site of bond failure depended on the magnitude of bond strength. Scanning electron micrograph examination of the failure sites showed enamel fracture in one sample where the bond strength was extremely high.     

Effects of metal combinations on cytotoxicity evaluation using a dynamic extraction method

The effects of metal combinations on cytotoxicity were examined following dynamic extraction by freely gyrating two spherical metals in a glass vessel. The cell viabilities of an Au alloy, a Ag-Pd-Au alloy and Ti were little affected by combinations among three metals. Cell viability ranged between 60 and 80% when precious alloys were in combination with Co-Cr or Ni-Cr alloys. Ti showed a clear difference in cell viability either in combination with Co-Cr or Ni-Cr alloys. The cell viability of the Ti/Co-Cr alloy combination was the same as that of precious alloys/Co-Cr or Ni-Cr alloy combinations. However, in an analogy with Co-Cr alloy/Ni-Cr alloy combination, the Ti/Ni-Cr alloy combination depressed the cell viability below 20%. This suggested that when new metals are to be used in combination with dissimilar metals, the cytotoxicity of the metals could be evaluated in extraction conditions using the mutual dynamic contact of dissimilar metals.     

Area ratio effects on metal ion release from amalgam in contact with gold

Abstract – The effect of area ratio, chloride concentration and brushing on amalgam in contact with gold was studied by measuring the amounts of elements released in the electrolyte. A type III gold alloy was stored for 4 months in contact with a conventional amalgam, area relations 6/1 and 6/3, in an electrolyte containing 85 mM NaCl with 10 mM phosphate buffer. A specimen with area relation 6/1 was also stored in a 10 mM NaCl solution with 10 mM phosphate buffer. The solutions were renewed each month and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Sn, Hg, and Ag in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cross-sections of the amalgams were studied in a scanning electron microscope. The tendency for Sn and Cu to be released from the amalgam was greater than for the other elements. The Sn-release probably mainly originated from surface corrosion and Cu-release from subsurface corrosion. A stronger galvanic influence enhanced only the release of Cu, and to a less extent Zn. The subsurface corrosion of the amalgam and increasing release of Cu was, in contrast to the other elements, largely dependent on a high chloride concentration in the electrolyte. Light brushing of the specimens had no effect on the amounts of elements released.     

The effect of carbamide peroxide treatment on metal ion release from dental amalgam.

OBJECTIVES: There is concern that hydrogen peroxide generated by tooth bleaching agents may cause enhanced metal ion release (including mercury) from dental amalgam following contact. The aim of this in vitro study was therefore to investigate the effect of a carbamide peroxide (CP) based tooth bleaching gel on metal ion release from dental amalgam. METHODS: Dental amalgam discs were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. These were treated with either a 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel or a 0% CP gel for 24h. Discs were carefully wiped with cotton wool before immersion in distilled water (20 ml) for 24h at 37 degrees C. Following immersion, water samples were taken for metal ion release determination (Ag, Cu, Hg and Sn) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods. The specimens were further evaluated for surface changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Talysurf surface roughness measurements. RESULTS: The differences in concentration of metal ions released after treatment with the 10% CP gel and a placebo gel treatment were not statistically significant (p>0.05). For example, mercury release following treatment with the 10% CP gel and the 0% CP gel was found to be 1.17(0.5) and 0.57(0.1)microgcm(-2), respectively. Roughness measurements for samples treated with the 10% CP gel and 0% CP gel were 2.23(0.47) and 1.74(0.16)microm, respectively, again showing no significant difference between groups (p>0.05). SEM images of the amalgam surfaces showed no apparent differences between treatments. SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment with a 10% CP gel did not significantly enhance subsequent metal ion release from dental amalgams compared to a control gel, contradicting previously published studies.