Corrosion of orthodontic brackets: qualitative and quantitative surface analysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Orthodontic brackets are susceptible to surface degradation and corrosion.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surface characteristics and corrosion in new versus used orthodontic brackets.
• To utilize optical light microscopy (OLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for detailed analysis.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 24 new and 24 used premolar brackets using OLM and SEM.
• Conducted EDS analysis on corrosion-suspected areas of selected brackets.
• Evaluated surface features like wear, pits, and adherent materials.

Main Results:

• Used brackets displayed significantly more signs of deterioration, including wear and corrosion.
• SEM provided more detailed morphological insights than OLM.
• EDS revealed higher phosphorus and sodium, and lower chromium content in used brackets, indicating corrosion.

Conclusions:

• Used orthodontic brackets show increased corrosion and surface alteration compared to new ones.
• SEM and EDS analysis confirm that bracket surfaces are negatively affected by corrosion during orthodontic treatment.