Comparación entre los sistemas manual de limas de acero inoxidable y el rotatorio de limas de níquel titanio, en la conformación de conductos radiculares curvos in vitro / Comparison between the manual system of stainless steel files and the rotating system of nickel titanium files in the conformation of curved radicular ducts in vitro

Resumen Introducción: Estudio experimental donde se procuró comparar el efecto del sistema manual y del rotatorio sobre la conformación de conductos curvos. Metodología: Una muestra de 40 raíces mesiales de primeras molares inferiores fue aleatorizada en dos grupos iguales: grupos sistema manual de limas K y sistema rotatorio FGK Race®. Se comparó el radio de la curvatura final vs. el inicial mediante el programa Autocat 2015. Se empleó la prueba t con significancia de 0,05. Resultados: El radio de la curvatura varió de manera significativa, tanto para sistema manual como para el rotatorio FGK Race® (p=0,0001 y p=0,0013, respectivamente). Además, el sistema manual produjo mayor variación en el radio de la curvatura al compararlo con el sistema rotatorio 2,23 mm vs. 1,27 mm respectivamente; p=0,13. Conclusiones: Ambos sistemas produjeron modificación en la conformación de los conductos mesiales; sin embargo, en la comparación entre ambos dichas diferencias no fueron significativas.

Abstract Introduction: An experimental study was carried out to compare the effect of the manual system and the rotary system on the conformation of curved conduits. Methodology: A sample of 40 mesial roots of lower first molars was randomized into two equal groups: group manual system of K-files and group rotary system FGK Race®. The radius of the final curvature vs. the initial curvature was compared using the Autocat 2015 program. The t-test with a significance of 0.05 was used. Results: The curvature radius varied significantly for both the manual system and the rotary FGK Race® (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). In addition, the manual system produced greater variation in the radius of the curvature when compared to the rotary system 2.23mm vs. 1.27mm respectively; p = 0.13. Conclusion: Both systems produced modification on the conformation of the conduits of the mesial roots; however, in the comparison between both systems said differences were not significant.

Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by nickel and titanium ions from dental alloys on cells of gastrointestinal tract.

The aim was to explore the biological effect of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) ions released from dental alloys. NiTi alloy were exposed to 40 mL of artificial saliva (pH = 4.8, t = 37 °C). The dynamics of Ni and Ti ions release during corrosion were recorded on the 3th, 7th and 14th day. Biological effect of Ni and Ti ions released from alloy was explored on cell lines of human tongue CAL 27, liver Hep G2 and colon Caco-2. Neutral Red uptake assay for the estimation of cell viability/cytotoxicity and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorimetric assay for reactive oxygen species were used. Cells were exposed to the following concentration of corrosion products: 5.0×, 1.0×, 0.5 and 0.1× during the period of 24, 48 and 72 h. To check the effect of each metal separately, cells were exposed to nickel-chloride and titanium-dioxide of corresponding concentration. The release of Ni is higher than of Ti (15.1-30.4 µg/L for Ni and 9.0-17.3 µg/L for Ti, respectively) and 5× higher concentrations are needed to induce cytotoxic effect. Ni and Ti ions alone do not induce a major cytotoxic effect, but their combination does indicating their synergistic effect. Increase in concentration of Ni and Ti tends to increase cytotoxicity, Ti more than Ni. Cytotoxicity and induction of free radicals are in strong positive linear correlation. Ions released from NiTi alloy during 14 days do not induce significant cytotoxic effect and would not have a clinically important impact. Cytotoxic effect is largely the result of the induction of free radicals.

Impact of heat treatments on the fatigue resistance of different rotary nickel-titanium instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of M-Wire (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) and controlled memory technologies on the fatigue resistance of rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) files by comparing files made using these 2 technologies with conventional NiTi files. METHODS: Files with a similar cross-sectional design and diameter were chosen for the study: new 30/.06 files of the EndoWave (EW; J. Morita Corp, Osaka, Japan), HyFlex (HF; Coltene/Whaledent, Inc, Cuyahoga Falls, OH), ProFile Vortex (PV; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), and Typhoon (TYP; Clinician's Choice Dental Products, New Milford, CT) systems together with ProTaper Universal F2 instruments (PTU F2; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The compositions and transformation temperatures of the instruments were analyzed using x-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, whereas the mean file diameter values at 3 mm from the tip (D3) were measured using image analysis software. The average number of cycles to failure was determined using a fatigue test device. RESULTS: X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis showed that, on average, all the instruments exhibited the same chemical composition, namely, 51% Ni-49% Ti. The PV, TYP, and HF files exhibited increased transformation temperatures. The PTU F2, PV, and TYP files had similar D3 values, which were less than those of the EW and HF files. The average number of cycles to failure values were 150% higher for the TYP files compared with the PV files and 390% higher for the HF files compared with the EW files. CONCLUSIONS: M-Wire and controlled memory technologies increase the fatigue resistance of rotary NiTi files.

Cobalt, nickel and chromium release from dental tools and alloys.

BACKGROUND: Cobalt-chromium alloys are used as casting alloys by dental technicians when producing dental prostheses and implants. Skin exposure and metal release from alloys and tools used by the dental technicians have not been studied previously. OBJECTIVES: To study the release of cobalt, nickel and chromium from alloys and tools that come into contact with the skin of dental technicians. METHODS: Cobalt and nickel release from tools and alloys was tested with the cobalt spot test and the dimethylglyoxime test for nickel. Also, the release of cobalt, nickel and chromium in artificial sweat (EN1811) at different time-points was assessed. Analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Sixty-one tools were spot tested; 20% released nickel and 23% released cobalt. Twenty-one tools and five dental alloys were immersed in artificial sweat. All tools released cobalt, nickel and chromium. The ranges were 0.0047-820, 0.0051-10 and 0.010-160 µg/cm(2) /week for cobalt, nickel and chromium, respectively. All dental alloys released cobalt in artificial sweat, with a range of 0.0010-17 µg/cm(2) /week, and they also released nickel and chromium at low concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitizing metals are released from tools and alloys used by dental technicians. This may cause contact allergy and hand eczema.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of contemporary lingual orthodontic brackets.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the composition and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of three different types of lingual brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incognito™ (3M Unitek), In-Ovation L (DENTSPLY GAC) and STb™ (Light Lingual System, ORMCO) lingual brackets were studied under the scanning electron microscope employing backscattered electron imaging and their elemental composition was analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Additionally, Vickers hardness was assessed using a universal hardness-testing machine, and the indentation modulus was measured according to instrumented indentation test. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted employing bracket type and location (base and wing) as discriminating variable. Significant differences among groups were allocated by post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison analysis at 95% level of significance. RESULTS: Three different phases were identified for Incognito and In-Ovation L bracket based on mean atomic number contrast. On the contrary, STb did not show mean atomic contrast areas and thus it is recognized as a single phase. Incognito is a one-piece bracket with the same structure in wing and base regions. Incognito consists mainly of noble metals while In-Ovation L and STb show similar formulations of ferrous alloys in wing and base regions. No significant differences were found between ferrous brackets in hardness and modulus values, but there were significant differences between wing and base regions. Incognito illustrated intermediate values with significant differences from base and wing values of ferrous brackets. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Significant differences exist in microstructure, elemental composition, and mechanical properties among the brackets tested; these might have a series of clinical implications during mechanotherapy.

Analysis of four dental alloys following torch/centrifugal and induction/ vacuum-pressure casting procedures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Previous studies have shown casting methodology to influence the as-cast properties of dental casting alloys. It is important to consider clinically important mechanical properties so that the influence of casting can be clarified. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how torch/centrifugal and inductively cast and vacuum-pressure casting machines may affect the castability, microhardness, chemical composition, and microstructure of 2 high noble, 1 noble, and 1 base metal dental casting alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two commonly used methods for casting were selected for comparison: torch/centrifugal casting and inductively heated/ vacuum-pressure casting. One hundred and twenty castability patterns were fabricated and divided into 8 groups. Four groups were torch/centrifugally cast in Olympia (O), Jelenko O (JO), Genesis II (G), and Liberty (L) alloys. Similarly, 4 groups were cast in O, JO, G, and L by an inductively induction/vacuum-pressure casting machine. Each specimen was evaluated for casting completeness to determine a castability value, while porosity was determined by standard x-ray techniques. Each group was metallographically prepared for further evaluation that included chemical composition, Vickers microhardness, and grain analysis of microstructure. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine significant differences among the main effects. Statistically significant effects were examined further with the Tukey HSD procedure for multiple comparisons. Data obtained from the castability experiments were non-normal and the variances were unequal. They were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Significant results were further investigated statistically with the Steel-Dwass method for multiple comparisons (α=.05). RESULTS: The alloy type had a significant effect on surface microhardness (P<.001). In contrast, the technique used for casting did not affect the microhardness of the test specimen (P=.465). Similarly, the interaction between the alloy and casting technique was not significant (P=.119). A high level of castability (98.5% on average) was achieved overall. The frequency of casting failures as a function of alloy type and casting method was determined. Failure was defined as a castability index score of <100%. Three of 28 possible comparisons between alloy and casting combinations were statistically significant. The results suggested that casting technique affects the castability index of alloys. Radiographic analysis detected large porosities in regions near the edge of the castability pattern and infrequently adjacent to noncast segments. All castings acquired traces of elements found in the casting crucibles. The grain size for each dental casting alloy was generally finer for specimens produced by the induction/vacuum-pressure method. The difference was substantial for JO and L. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a relation between casting techniques and some physical properties of metal ceramic casting alloys.

Effect of temperature on the orthodontic clinical applications of niti closed-coil springs

NiTi spring coils were used to obtain large deformation under a constant force. The device consists on a NiTi coil spring, superelastic at body temperature, in order to have a stress plateau during the austenitic retransformation during the unloading. The temperature variations induced changes in the spring force. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the temperature variations in the spring forces and corrosion behaviour simulating the ingestion hot/cold drinks and food. Study Design: The springs were subjected to a tensile force using universal testing machine MTS-Adamel (100 N load cell). All tests were performed in artificial saliva maintained at different temperatures. The corrosion tests were performed according to the ISO-standard 10993-15:2000. Results: The increase in temperature of 18oC induced an increase in the spring force of 30%. However, when the temperature returns to 37oC the distraction force recovers near the initial level. After cooling down the spring to 15oC, the force decreased by 46%. This investigation show as the temperature increase, the corrosion potential shifts towards negative values and the corrosion density is rising. Conclusions: The changes of the temperatures do not modify the superelastic behaviour of the NiTi closed-coil springs. The corrosion potential of NiTi in artificial saliva is decreasing by the rise of the temperatures (AU)

Estudo in vivo e in vitro da corrosão de ligas de Co-Cr e de Ni-Cr utilizadas em estruturas protéticas de implantes orais / In vitro and in vivo studies of corrosion of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys used in oral implant prosthetic superstructures

Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento eletroquímico de três ligas de níquel-cromo e duas de cobalto-cromo in vitro e in vivo. Nos estudos in vitro foram fabricados eletrodos de trabalho a partir destas ligas. Estes eletrodos ficaram imersos em meio de NaCl 0,15 mol.L-1 a 36,5°C e foram submetidos às técnicas do potencial de circuito aberto, polarização potenciostática anódica e cronoamperometria. Para os estudos in vivo foram selecionados quinze pacientes com implantes já osseointegrados e aguardando a instalação das próteses. Esses pacientes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos, correspondentes às cinco ligas diferentes. Deste modo, as estruturas protéticas dos implantes foram fundidas utilizando as cinco ligas. Foi utilizada a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e a espectroscopia por dispersão de energia (EDS) como métodos de análise das superfícies linguais metálicas das próteses, antes da instalação em ambiente oral e após seis meses de permanência. Vistas por MEV, as ligas duas de cobalto-cromo Starloy C e Remanium 2001 e duas de níquel-cromo Wiron 99 e Remanium CSe apresentaram superfícies heterogêneas caracterizadas por uma fase semelhante à matriz da liga e a outra fase, composta por elementos de maior densidade atômica, correspondente à fase interdendrítica. Após seis meses, não houve sinais de corrosão e alterações significativas na composição destas ligas. As ligas de Co-Cr avaliadas, sob o ponto de vista eletroquímico, indicam comportamento catódico quando unidas ao implante sendo um fator indicativo de proteção à corrosão.

Dentro dos limites dos estudos in vitro, as ligas de Ni-Cr apresentaram um filme passivo com ampla faixa de potencial em que se mantêm passiva e ausência de corrosão localizada. A liga de níquel-cromo Dan Ceramalloy apresentou a superfície heterogênea com quatro áreas distintas (área 1 rica em titânio; área 2 rica em níquel; área 3 correspondente à matriz; área 4 rica em molibdênio). Após seis meses, as três próteses metalo-cerâmicas apresentaram as regiões correspondentes à fase 2, rica em níquel, com depressões em baixo relevo, sugerindo a oxidação com a liberação de íons níquel. Nos estudos in vitro a liga Dan Ceramalloy apresenta potencial de corrosão mais negativo, uma faixa passiva de potencial mais estreita e um filme menos protetor, quando comparada com as demais ligas estudadas. Apesar de não ter sido observado clinicamente o processo de corrosão das ligas, os estudos in vitro e in vivo deste material, permitiram verificar o seu comportamento eletroquímico e sugerir a descontinuidade do seu emprego em estruturas protéticas de implantes orais. Os estudos in vitro e in vivo apresentaram concordância para todos os materiais estudados.

In this study, the electro-chemical behavior of three nickel-chrome and two cobalt chrome alloys was studied in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro studies, working electrodes made of these alloys were fabricated. These electrodes were immersed in a medium of NaCl 0.15 mol.L-1 at 36.5°C and were submitted to the open circuit potential, anodic potentiostatic polarization and chronoamperometry techniques. For the in vivo studies, 15 patients whose implants had osseointegrated, and who were waiting for dental implant placement, were selected. These patients were randomly distributed into five groups, corresponding to the five different alloys. Thus the prosthetic implant superstructures were cast, using the five alloys. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used as methods to analyze the metal lingual surfaces of the prostheses, before they were placed in the oral environment, and after six months in place. Visualized by SEM, the two cobalt-chrome alloys Starloy C and Remanium 2001, and two types of nickel-chrome - Wiron 99 and Remanium Cse - presented heterogeneous surfaces characterized by a phase similar to that of the alloy matrix, and the other phase composed of elements of greater atomic density, corresponding to the interdendritic phase. After six months, there were no signs of corrosion and significant alterations in the composition of these alloys. The Co-Cr alloys evaluated, from an electrochemical point of view, indicated a cathodic behavior when united to the implant, this being a factor indicative of protection against corrosion

Within the limits of the in vitro studies, the Ni-Cr alloys presented a passive film with an ample range of potential in which they remained passive, with absence of corrosion due to pitting. The nickel-chrome alloy Dan Ceramalloy presented a heterogeneous surface with four distinct areas (Area 1 rich in titanium; Area 2 rich in nickel; Area 3 corresponding to the matrix; Area 4 rich in molybdenum). After six months, the three metal-ceramic dental prostheses presented the regions corresponding to Phase 2, rich in nickel, with depressions in low relief, suggesting oxidation with nickel ion release. In the in vitro studies, the alloy Dan Ceramalloy presented a more negative corrosion potential, a narrower range of passive potential and a less protective film, when compared with the other alloys studied. In despite of the process of corrosion of the alloys not having been clinically observed, the in vitro and in vivo studies of this material allowed verification of its electrochemical behavior, and suggest that its use in prosthetic superstructures for oral implants should be discontinued. The in vitro and in vivo studies were shown to be in agreement for all the materials studied.

Avaliação da microestrutura, microdureza e resistência à corrosão de juntas soldadas de uma liga de Ni-Cr obtidas através de diferentes processos de soldagem / Evaluation of the microstructure, hardness and corrosion resistance of welded joints of a Ni-Cr alloy obtained by different welding processes

Este trabalho avaliou o comportamento eletroquímico do metal de base (MB) de uma liga a base de níquel-cromo em relação a juntas soldadas desta liga obtidas pelos processos de brasagem (BRA) e Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), imersos em saliva artificial com pH 2,5 e 5,5. Foram também realizados ensaios de microdureza e caracterização microestrutural, por meio de microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura e análise química semi-quantitativa por EDS, nos grupos MB, TIG, BRA e no cordão de solda a laser (LAS). O MB apresentou uma matriz rica em níquel e cromo, distribuída em um arranjo dendrítico típico, apresentando inclusões metálicas de silício e titânio, além de porosidades. As soldas TIG e LAS revelaram uma microestrutura mais refinada que o MB, mostrando, entretanto, uma mesma composição química e distribuição de seus elementos. A solda BRA apresentou diferenças marcantes em sua microestrutura, composição química e distribuição de seus elementos em relação ao MB. Os dados de microdureza Vickers (HV), potencial de corrosão (Ecorr) e densidade de corrente de corrosão (jcorr) foram analisados com ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Para determinação da influência do pH quanto a resistência à corrosão dos grupos MB, TIG e BRA, empregou-se o teste t de Student (p<0,05). O MB apresentou menor média de microdureza (256,13 ± 9,39 HV), seguido pelos grupos TIG (271,53 ± 8,07 HV), LAS (303,73 ± 13,93 HV) e BRA (551,99 ± 37,73 HV). Em pH 2,5 as médias do Ecorr (mV) para o MB, TIG e BRA foram, respectivamente, -67,9 ± 8,43, -52,78 ± 16,74, e -284,33 ± 19,04; e em pH 5,5, médias de -54,03 ± 21,15, -62,08 ± 20,16 e -278,8 ± 28,96. Os valores médios de jcorr (µA.cm-2) para o MB, TIG e BRA em pH 2,5 foram, respectivamente, 2,49 ± 0,95, 5,584 ± 1,64 e 27,45 ± 4,9; e em pH 5,5, médias de 1,929 ± 0,83, 4,267 ± 1,51 e 54,2 ± 11,96. Os grupos MB e TIG apresentaram boa resistência à corrosão, com maior módulo de impedância em relação ao grupo BRA. As diferenças no pH da ...

This study evaluated and compared the electrochemical behavior of the base metal (BM) of a nickel-chromium dental alloy with welded joints obtained by brazing processes (BRA) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), when immersed in artificial saliva at pH 2.5 and 5.5. Microhardness, microstructural characterization by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and semi-quantitative chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), were performed in the groups BM, TIG, BRA and in joints weld by laser (LAS). The BM showed a matrix rich in nickel and chromium, distributed in a typical dendritic arrangement, with inclusions of silicon and titanium, and porosities. LAS and TIG welds reveled a microstructure more refined than the BM, however, the same chemical composition and distribution of its elements. BRA showed marked differences in their microstructure, chemical composition and distribution of the elements in relation to BM. Vickers microhardness (HV), corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion current density (jcorr) were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (p <0.05). In order to determine the influence of pH and corrosion resistance in groups BM, TIG and BRA, Student t test, with significance level of 95% was used. BM had the lowest average microhardness (HV 256.13 ± 9.39), followed by groups TIG (271.53 ± 8.07 HV), LAS (303.73 ± 13.93 HV) and BRA (551, HV 99 ± 37.73). At pH 2.5 the average Ecorr (mV) for the MB and TIG were respectively -67.9 ± 8.43 and -52.78 ± 16.74, and at pH 5.5, averaging -54, 03 ± 21.15 and -62.08 ± 20.16. LAS group showed averages of Ecorr (mV) at pH 2.5 and 5.5, respectively, -284.33 ± 19.04 and 28.96 ± -278.8. The average values of jcorr (ìA.cm-2) to BM and TIG at pH 2.5 were respectively 2.49 ± 0.95 and 5.584 ± 1.64, and at pH 5.5, 1.929 ± 0.83 and 4.267 ± 1.51. Average jcorr for LAS group (ìA.cm-2) at pH 2.5 and 5.5 were respectively 27.45 ± 4.9 and 11.96 ± 54.2. BM and TIG ...

Influence of recasting different types of dental alloys on gingival fibroblast cytotoxicity.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Surplus alloy from the initial casting is commonly reused with the addition of new alloy. This recasting procedure could affect the cytotoxicity of dental alloys. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of repeated casting of high-noble and base metal alloys on gingival fibroblast cytotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (5 × 2 mm, n=60) of a high-noble (Au-Pt) and 2 base metal (Ni-Cr and Cr-Co, n=20) alloys were prepared with 100% new alloy and 50%, 65%, and 100% once recast alloy. The elemental composition of specimens was analyzed with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Five specimens from each group were conditioned in saline with 3% fetal bovine serum albumin. The conditioning media were analyzed for elemental release with atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cytotoxic effects were assessed on human gingival fibroblast with a 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. The data were analyzed with 1-way and 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test (α-=.05). RESULTS: Elemental compositions of Co-Cr and Au-Pt alloys were significantly different among casting protocols. Elemental release of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys was significantly different between new and recast specimens (P<.001). Nickel release increased with recast alloy addition. The 2-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of the casting procedure (P<.001) alloy group (P<.001) and their interaction for cytotoxicity (P<.001). The Ni-Cr alloy groups with 65% and 100% recast alloy had lower cellular activity than all other specimens (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that alloys containing nickel have increased cytotoxic effects and that composition of the alloys affected the cytotoxicity. Furthermore, recasting nickel-containing alloys with 65% surplus metal addition significantly increased the cytotoxic activity.

Oral mucosa tissue response to titanium cover screws.

BACKGROUND: Titanium is the most widely used metal in dental implantology. The release of particles from metal structures into the biologic milieu may be the result of electrochemical processes (corrosion) and/or mechanical disruption during insertion, abutment connection, or removal of failing implants. The aim of the present study is to evaluate tissue response of human oral mucosa adjacent to titanium cover screws. METHODS: One hundred fifty-three biopsies of the supra-implant oral mucosa adjacent to the cover screw of submerged dental implants were analyzed. Histologic studies were performed to analyze epithelial and connective tissue as well as the presence of metal particles, which were identified using microchemical analysis. Langerhans cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes were studied using immunohistochemical techniques. The surface of the cover screws was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Forty-one percent of mucosa biopsies exhibited metal particles in different layers of the section thickness. Particle number and size varied greatly among specimens. Immunohistochemical study confirmed the presence of macrophages and T lymphocytes associated with the metal particles. Microchemical analysis revealed the presence of titanium in the particles. On SEM analysis, the surface of the screws exhibited depressions and irregularities. CONCLUSIONS: The biologic effects seen in the mucosa in contact with the cover screws might be associated with the presence of titanium or other elements, such as aluminum or vanadium. The potential long-term biologic effects of particles on soft tissues adjacent to metallic devices should be further investigated because these effects might affect the clinical outcome of the implant.

Surface characteristics of retrieved coated and nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oral fluids and archwire-bracket friction on the surface characteristics of NiTi alloy orthodontic archwires with/without aesthetic coating, in vivo for 2-3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different cross-sections of NiTi Archwires (DENTSPLY GAC International) and Titanol Cosmetic Archwires (FORESTADENT® USA Inc.) were examined by electron microscopy with dual-beam and spectroscopy analysis, before and after a collecting protocol from patients with multi-technique. RESULTS: Initially, the orthodontic archwires showed microscopic manufacturing and coating defects in the physiognomic layer. After intra-oral exposure, amorphous organic matter deposits were observed on the surface of the NiTi Archwires and the wire coating presented exfoliation on the oral areas of friction with brackets. X-ray microanalysis revealed changes in all atomic and mass percentages of chemical elements from the surface of all retrieved dental archwires, nickel and titanium ion depletion and the occurrence of additional elements due to interactions with saliva. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-oral exposure of NiTi Archwires and the archwire-bracket friction of coated wire altered the morphology and changed the elemental composition of the surface due to the process of corrosion, adhesion of organic matters and ionic exchange with oral fluids.

Premolars restored with posts of different materials: fatigue analysis.

Previous works studied the effect of the material and the dimensions of the post on the biomechanical performance (fracture strength and stress distribution) of restored teeth, under static loads. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the post material (glass fibre and stainless steel) on restored teeth, which have the final crown, under dynamic conditions. The use of a biomechanical model, including a fatigue analysis from FEA, is presented as a powerful method to study the effect of the material of the intraradicular post. The inclusion of the fatigue analysis allows for a more realistic study that takes into account the dynamic nature of masticatory forces. At the same time, the results obtained are easier to interpret by both dentists and mechanical engineers. No differences were found, with the load and number of cycles considered, between glass fibre and stainless steel as material for the intraradicular post used in premolars restorations.

Corrosion characteristics of anodized Ti-(10-40wt%)Hf alloys for metallic biomaterials use.

The effect of anodizing on corrosion resistance of Ti-xHf alloys has been investigated. Ti-xHf alloys were prepared and anodized at 120, 170 and 220 V in 1 M H(3)PO(4) solution, and crystallized at 300 and 500°C. Corrosion experiments were carried out using a potentiostat in 0.15 M NaCl solution at 36.5 ± 1°C. The Ti-xHf alloys exhibited the α' and anatase phases. The pore size on the anodized surface increases as the applied voltage is increased, whereas the pore size decreases as the Hf content is increased. The anodized Ti-xHf alloys exhibited better corrosion resistance than non-anodized Ti-xHf alloys.

Improvement of the fatigue resistance of NiTi endodontic files by surface and bulk modifications.

AIM: To assess the failure mechanism of rotary NiTi instruments by chemical, structural and morphological analyses to provide a rational explanation of the effects of surface and bulk treatments on their resistance to fatigue fracture. METHODOLOGY: Thermal treatment (350-500 °C) was performed on electropolished (EP) and non-electropolished (Non-EP) NiTi endodontic instruments. Bulk and surface chemical composition and crystallographic structures were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate the effects of thermal treatment and electropolishing on the NiTi alloy. Fatigue tests of all instruments were performed. Surface morphology before and after the tests, and fractured section were analysed using scanning electron microscopy to determine crack extensions. Results were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (anova) and post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Before thermal treatment, significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatigue resistance between EP and Non-EP instruments (the number of revolutions to failure, N(f) , was 385 and 160, respectively) were attributed to differences in the surface morphology of the instruments. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces indicated that flexural fatigue fractures occurred in two steps: first by a slow growth of initial cracks and then rapid rupture of the remaining material. Thermal treatment did not affect the surface morphology but resulted in significant changes in the instrument bulk with the appearance of an R-phase and an improved fatigue resistance; indeed after treatment at 500 °C, N(f) increased up to 829 and 474 for EP and Non-EP instruments, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both thermal treatment and electropolishing improved the resistance of NiTi rotary instruments against fatigue fracture.

Biodegradation of nickel and chromium from space maintainers: an in vitro study.

Band materials are often used in the practice of pediatric dentistry. Nickel and Chromium are the main ingredients of these materials. The potential health hazards of nickel and chromium and their compounds have been the focus of attention for more than 100 years. It has established that these metals could cause hypersensitivity. The study was undertaken to analyze in vitro biodegradation of space maintainers made out of stainless steel band materials from manufacturers Dentaurum and Unitek. The leaching effect simulating the use of one, two, three, and four space maintainers in clinical practice was studied by keeping the respective number of space maintainers in the artificial saliva incubating at 37 degrees C and analyzing for nickel and chromium release after 1,7,14,21 and 28 days using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that there was measurable release of both nickel and chromium which reached maximum level at the end of 7 days which was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and was very much below the dietary average intake even for four bands used and was not capable of causing any toxicity.

Surface modification of stainless steel by plasma-based fluorine and silver dual ion implantation and deposition.

The aims of this study were to modify dental device surface with fluorine and silver and to examine the effectiveness of this new surface modification method. Stainless steel plates were modified by plasma-based fluorine and silver ion implantation-deposition method. The surface characteristics and brushing abrasion resistance were evaluated by XPS, contact angle and brushing abrasion test. XPS spectra of modified specimens showed the peaks of fluoride and silver. These peaks were detected even after brushing abrasion test. Water contact angle significantly increased due to implantation-deposition of both fluorine and silver ions. Moreover, the contact angle of the modified specimen was significantly higher than that of fluorine only deposited specimen with the same number of brushing strokes. This study indicates that this new surface modification method of fluorine and silver ion implantation-deposition improved the brushing abrasion resistance and hydrophobic property making it a potential antimicrobial device.

Metallurgical characterization of a new nickel-titanium wire for rotary endodontic instruments.

INTRODUCTION: A novel thermomechanical processing procedure has been developed that yields a superelastic (SE) nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire (M-Wire) that laboratory testing shows has improved mechanical properties compared with conventional SE austenitic NiTi wires used for manufacture of rotary instruments. The objective of this study was to determine the origin of the improved mechanical properties. METHOD: Specimens from 2 batches of M-Wire prepared under different processing conditions and from 1 batch of standard-processed SE wire for rotary instruments were examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy, temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry, micro-x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with x-ray energy-dispersive spectrometric analyses. RESULTS: The processing for M-Wire yields a microstructure containing martensite, that the proportions of NiTi phases depend on processing conditions, and that the microstructure exhibits pronounced evidence of alloy strengthening. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Ti(2)Ni precipitates in both microstructures indicates that M-Wire and the conventional SE wire for rotary instruments are titanium-rich.

Effect of additive metals, Sn, Ga, and In in Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys on initial bond strength of 4-META adhesive cement to these alloys.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three additives, Sn, Ga, and In, as well as the main constituents, Pd and Cu, of Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys on the initial bond strength of 4-META adhesive cement to these alloys. The Ag-Pd-Au-Cu alloys consisted of 20%, 30% or 40% Pd, and 10%, 15% or 20% Cu, 20% Au, and Ag as balance. Besides, additive metals (Sn, Ga, and In) of 2% and 4% were added to these compositions. The addition of three additives, in general, increased the initial bond strength of the cement in comparison to the mother compositions (0% additives), although the degrees of effectiveness of the three additives were different and varied with their contents. Among these additives, a remarkable increase in bond strength was observed with the addition of In. The increase in Cu content, in many cases, resulted in an increase in bond strength at high Pd contents (30% and 40%), but a decrease at low Pd content (20%) in some cases. The positive effects of the three additives and Cu could be due to the formation of a suitable oxide layer for strong bonding with 4-META.