Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:12
Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
[Nickel allergy and orthodontics]
R L J Leenen1, A M Kuijpers-Jagtman, B A Jagtman
1Afdeling Orthodontie en Orale Biologie, Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, Nijmegen.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|May 15, 2009
Summary
Nickel hypersensitivity affects 5-10% of the population, particularly young females. While nickel is common in orthodontic appliances, oral allergies are rare due to mucosal differences.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Allergology
- Materials Science
Context:
- Nickel hypersensitivity is prevalent, especially in young females, with rates up to 30%.
- The skin is more susceptible to nickel allergy than the oral mucosa.
- Nickel is extensively used in orthodontic appliances, leading to ion release via corrosion.
Purpose:
- To explore the prevalence and mechanisms of nickel hypersensitivity.
- To compare the oral mucosa's sensitivity to nickel versus skin.
- To discuss the implications of nickel release from orthodontic appliances.
Summary:
- Oral mucosa exhibits lower nickel sensitivity than skin due to anatomical factors and pellicle presence.
- Corrosion of orthodontic appliances releases nickel ions, influenced by oral environment factors (pH, saliva, temperature, mechanical load).
- Despite significant nickel use in orthodontics, nickel allergies are infrequent, but nickel-free alternatives are recommended for hypersensitive individuals.
Impact:
- Informs clinical decisions regarding orthodontic appliance selection for patients with nickel sensitivity.
- Highlights the importance of understanding oral mucosal resilience to allergens.
- Contributes to the development of safer orthodontic materials and patient management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:03Precipitation Gravimetry
Precipitation gravimetry is based on converting an analyte into a sparingly soluble precipitate, which is separated by filtration and weighed. An ideal precipitate should be pure, insoluble, of known composition, and easily filtered from the reaction mixture.
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...