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Effect of a two-year fluoride decay protection protocol on titanium brackets
Elie S Khoury1, Maher Abboud, Nayla Bassil-Nassif
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
International Orthodontics
|October 29, 2011
Summary
Fluoride Decay Prevention (FDP) protocol causes titanium bracket corrosion over time. Significant sliding resistance and weight loss occurred after 18 and 24 months of FDP use, impacting orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
- Corrosion Engineering
Background:
- Fluoride ions can corrode titanium, a material used in orthodontic brackets.
- Orthodontic patients require fluoride for caries prevention, leading to the Fluoride Decay Prevention (FDP) protocol.
- The FDP protocol involves brushing, mouthwash, and topical gel applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of the FDP protocol on titanium bracket corrosion.
- To assess corrosion at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months using gravimetry, SEM, and sliding mechanics.
Main Methods:
- 150 titanium brackets were divided into five groups (control and four FDP exposure durations).
- Brackets were exposed to artificial saliva and then dried.
- Corrosion was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), gravimetrical analysis, and sliding mechanics.
Main Results:
- SEM revealed increasing pit formation and dimensions with longer FDP exposure.
- Gravimetrical and sliding mechanics showed no significant difference at 6 and 12 months compared to control.
- Significant increases in sliding resistance and weight loss were observed at 18 and 24 months.
Conclusions:
- Titanium bracket corrosion due to FDP was detected at 6 and 12 months but without clinical impact.
- Significant clinical effects, including increased sliding resistance and weight loss, emerged at 18 and 24 months of FDP treatment.
