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Fluoride prophylactic agents effect on ceramic bracket tie-wing fracture strength.
Donald J Sanchez1, Mary P Walker, Katherine Kula
1Department of Orthodontics, AZ School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Mesa, AZ, USA.
The Angle Orthodontist
|April 18, 2008
Summary
Fluoride treatments weakened monocrystalline ceramic brackets, increasing tie-wing fracture susceptibility. Polycrystalline brackets showed no significant changes in fracture strength or morphology after fluoride exposure.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ceramic brackets are widely used in orthodontics.
- The effect of fluoride prophylactic agents on the mechanical properties of ceramic brackets, specifically tie-wing complex fracture strength and morphology, requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of common topical fluoride agents on the fracture strength and morphology of ceramic bracket tie-wings.
- To test the hypothesis that fluoride prophylactic agents do not affect the fracture strength and morphology of the tie-wing complex of ceramic brackets.
Main Methods:
- Fracture strength testing of distal incisal tie-wings from polycrystalline (Clarity, Mystique) and monocrystalline (Inspire) ceramic brackets.
- Exposure of brackets to Prevident, Phos-flur gel, or distilled water (control).
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for qualitative evaluation of tie-wing surfaces.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in tie-wing fracture strength was observed in monocrystalline brackets after exposure to both fluoride treatments compared to the control.
- No significant decrease in fracture strength was found in polycrystalline brackets following fluoride treatments.
- SEM analysis revealed no qualitative differences in tie-wing intact or fractured surfaces across all bracket types and treatments.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that fluoride agents do not affect ceramic bracket tie-wing strength is rejected.
- Topical fluoride agents may be contraindicated for use with monocrystalline ceramic brackets due to increased tie-wing fracture susceptibility.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects and clinical implications of fluoride use with different ceramic bracket materials.