Effect of the different debonding strength of metal and ceramic brackets on the degree of enamel microcrack healing

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to determine shear debonding strength of metal and ceramic brackets, and the degree of enamel crack healing. Material and Methods: Extracted human maxillary premolars were flattened on the buccal surface, and randomly separated into five groups (n = 15). In control groups (groups 1 and 2), metal and ceramic brackets were bonded on flat polished enamel, while in experimental groups (groups 3 and 4), metal and ceramic brackets were bonded on the surface with boundary where corner cracks were created. Additionally, fifteen specimens (group 5) were also prepared for an indentation procedure with no bracket installation. The degree of crack healing was measured. All brackets were detached with a universal testing machine, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was also identified. Healing degree and apparent fracture toughness were then calculated. Results: Between groups with similar bracket types, there was no statistically significant difference in debonding strength. Regarding bracket types, ceramic brackets provided significantly higher debonding strength than metal brackets. There was a significant difference in ARI scores between metal and ceramic brackets. The corner cracks showed signs of healing in both horizontal and vertical directions. No statistically significant difference in the healing rates among the groups was found and the apparent fracture toughness increased from the initial to the final measurement. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, even though ceramic brackets required significantly higher debonding force compared to metal brackets, debonding stress was limited to the bonding site and did not affect the surrounding cracks on enamel.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a resistência ao cisalhamento de braquetes metálicos e cerâmicos, e o grau de reparo de fraturas no esmalte. Métodos: Pré-molares superiores, extraídos de humanos, foram aplainados na face vestibular e aleatoriamente divididos em cinco grupos (n = 15). Nos grupos controle (Grupos 1 e 2), os braquetes metálicos e cerâmicos foram colados em esmalte liso e polido; enquanto nos grupos experimentais (Grupos 3 e 4), os braquetes metálicos e cerâmicos foram colados em superfície delimitada, em cujos cantos foram criadas fissuras. Adicionalmente, foram também preparados 15 espécimes (Grupo 5) para um teste com indentação, sem a instalação de braquetes. O grau de reparo das fraturas foi avaliado. Todos os braquetes foram descolados usando uma máquina universal de testes, e o índice de adesivo remanescente (ARI) também foi avaliado. O grau de reparo e a tenacidade à fratura aparente foram então calculados. Resultados: Entre os grupos com o mesmo tipo de braquetes, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na força de descolagem. Com relação aos tipos de braquetes, os cerâmicos apresentaram uma força de descolagem significativamente maior do que os metálicos. Houve uma diferença significativa nos escores ARI entre os braquetes metálicos e os cerâmicos. As fraturas de canto mostraram sinais de reparo nos sentidos horizontal e vertical. Não foi detectada diferença estatisticamente significativa no grau de reparo entre os grupos, e a tenacidade à fratura aparente aumentou da mensuração inicial para a final. Conclusão: Considerando-se as limitações desse estudo, apesar de os braquetes cerâmicos necessitarem de força de descolagem significativamente maior do que os braquetes metálicos, a tensão de descolagem foi limitada ao sítio de colagem, não afetando as fraturas de esmalte ao redor.

Alkaliphilic Bacillus species show potential application in concrete crack repair by virtue of rapid spore production and germination then extracellular calcite formation.

AIMS: Characterization of alkaliphilic Bacillus species for spore production and germination and calcite formation as a prelude to investigate their potential in microcrack remediation in concrete. METHODS AND RESULTS: Conditions, extent and timing of endospore production was determined by dark-field light microscopy; germination induction and kinetics were assessed by combining reduction in optical density with formation of refractile bodies by phase-contrast microscopy. Bacillus pseudofirmus was selected from several species as the most suitable isolate. Levels and timing of calcium carbonate precipitated in vitro by B. pseudofirmus were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy and structural identity confirmed as calcite and aragonite by Raman spectroscopy and FTIR. The isolate produced copious spores that germinated rapidly in the presence of germinants l-alanine, inosine and NaCl. Bacterial cells produced CaCO3 crystals in microcracks and the resulting occlusion markedly restricted water ingress. CONCLUSIONS: By virtue of rapid spore production and germination, calcium carbonate formation in vitro and in situ, leading to sealing of microcracks, B. pseudofirmus shows clear potential for remediation of concrete on a commercial scale. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Microbial sealing of microcracks should become a practicable and sustainable means of increasing concrete durability.