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The Microhardness and Chemical Composition of Different Ceramic Self-Ligating Brackets: An In Vitro Study
Mallaury Martinez1, Paul Fawaz2, Patrick El Sayegh3
1Department of Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Faculty of Odontology, University of Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France.
Dentistry Journal
|July 25, 2025
Summary
Self-ligating ceramic orthodontic brackets are significantly harder than enamel, potentially causing dental trauma. Alpine® brackets showed the least hardness, suggesting they may minimize enamel damage.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Self-ligating ceramic brackets are widely used in orthodontics.
- Understanding their material properties is crucial for preventing iatrogenic damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the hardness, chemical composition, and microstructure of various self-ligating ceramic orthodontic brackets and enamel.
- To assess the risk of enamel damage from ceramic brackets.
Main Methods:
- Sixty ceramic brackets from six manufacturers were tested.
- Microhardness testing and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed.
Main Results:
- Ceramic bracket hardness varied significantly, with passive self-ligating brackets being harder than active ones.
- Chemical composition (oxygen and alumina) also showed significant differences.
- All tested ceramic brackets were at least six times harder than enamel.
Conclusions:
- Alpine® ceramic brackets exhibited the lowest hardness, potentially reducing enamel damage.
- The substantial hardness difference between ceramic brackets and enamel raises concerns about potential trauma to opposing teeth.
- Recommendations include avoiding mandibular placement or using bite elevation to prevent enamel damage.
