Microstructural and Surface Texture Evaluation of Orthodontic Microimplants Covered with Bioactive Layers Enriched...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Bacterial infections and biofilm formation on orthodontic microimplants lead to complications like device failure.
• Current microimplants made of TiAlV alloy are susceptible to surface contamination and peri-implant infections.
• Improving microimplant surface properties is crucial for enhancing clinical success and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hybrid coatings with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) on TiAlV orthodontic microimplants.
• To assess the microstructural and elemental surface changes induced by sol-gel and dip-coating techniques.
• To evaluate the impact of surface modifications on microimplant roughness and potential for osseointegration.

Main Methods:

• Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Elemental surface composition analysis using X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
• Surface treatment involved etching, sol-gel coating, and dip-coating with AgNPs, Ca, and P.

Main Results:

• Etching increased surface roughness and fluoride presence; AgNPs-only coatings reduced roughness.
• Hybrid coatings with AgNPs, Ca, and P increased surface roughness and porosity.
• Selective surface modification, with smooth outer and rough bone-contact areas, shows potential for improved performance.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid coatings significantly alter microimplant surface topography and elemental composition.
• Surface roughness can be precisely controlled by incorporating specific elements like AgNPs, Ca, and P.
• Optimizing surface treatments for different implant regions can enhance osseointegration and reduce infection risks.