Effect of high-pressure steam sterilization on two kinds of orthodontic distal end cutters / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Steam sterilization is a commonly used oral clinical method of disinfection, but whether it would produce more significant impact on equipments waiting for sterilization has been controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of autoclave on two kinds of orthodontic distal end cutters by comparing shearing force and corrosion after sterilization. METHODS:Tiantian (n=15) and 3M (n=15) distal end cutters commonly used in orthodontic treatment were chosen for testing and divided into three groups, respectively. Three groups for each kind of cutter were treated with high-pressure steam sterilization, steam sterilization+extraoral shear, and steam sterilization+intraoral shear, respectively. The shearing force and metal ography of the distal end cutters were recorded after 0, 20, 40, and 60 cycles of sterilization. An energy dispersive spectrometer was used to scan the surfaces of the working edges of the distal end cutters after 60 cycles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:It was found that with an increase in the number of sterilization cycles, the shear force and extent of corrosion increased in al six groups of distal end cutters, but the situation was worse for Tiantian cutters than for 3M cutters. It was found that the difference of shear force between the Tiantian autoclave group and 3M autoclave group was statistical y significant (P<0.05) after 20, 40, and 60 sterilization cycles. Meanwhile, the metal ography showed that different degrees of discoloration and rust spots appeared on the work edges of the two brands of distal end cutters with an increase in the number of sterilization cycles, but the corrosion of the Tiantian distal-end cutter was more widespread, and even work-edge defects appeared. The carbon content of the Tiantian distal-end cutter was higher than that of the 3M cutter (P<0.05), but the chromium content was higher in the 3M cutter (P<0.05). In addition, aluminum and titanium elements only existed in the 3M cutter. The use of the autoclave affected the distal end cutters in terms of shearing force and corrosion, but the effect on 3M distal end cutters was obviously less than that on Tiantian cutters.