ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: There is continuing interest in engineering esthetic labial archwires. The aim of this study was to coat nickel-titanium (NiTi) and beta-titanium (ß-Ti), also known as titanium molybdenum (TMA), archwires by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and to analyze the characteristics of the PEO-surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PEO-coatings were generated on 0.014-inch NiTi and 0.19 × 0.25-inch ß-Ti archwires. The surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy. Cytocompatibility testing was performed with ceramized and untreated samples according to EN ISO 10993-5 in XTT-, BrdU- and LDH-assays. The direct cell impact was analyzed using LIVE-/DEAD-staining. In addition, the archwires were inserted in an orthodontic model and photographs were taken before and after insertion. RESULTS: The PEO coatings were 15 to 20 µm thick with a whitish appearance. The cytocompatibility analysis revealed good cytocompatibility results for both ceramized NiTi and ß-Ti archwires. In the direct cell tests, the ceramized samples showed improved compatibility as compared to those of uncoated samples. However, bending of the archwires resulted in loss of the PEO-surfaces. Nevertheless, it was possible to insert the ß-Ti PEO-coated archwire in an orthodontic model without loss of the PEO-ceramic. CONCLUSION: PEO is a promising technique for the generation of esthetic orthodontic archwires. Since the PEO-coating does not resist bending, its clinical use seems to be limited so far to orthodontic techniques using straight or pre-bent archwires.
ABSTRACT
Date of birth: 24/2/1975; gender: female. A. PRETREATMENT RECORDS: (12/2005; 30 yrs). DIAGNOSIS: Adult patient presenting Angle Class II,1 malocclusion. TREATMENT: Extraction of 14-24 fixed lingual appliance on both arches. B. POST-TREATMENT RECORDS: (9/2008; 33 yrs). RETENTION: Bonded lingual wires 13 to 23 and 33 to 43. C. POST-RETENTION RECORDS: (9/2009; 34 yrs).
Subject(s)
Malocclusion, Angle Class II/therapy , Adult , Cephalometry , Female , Humans , Orthodontic Appliances , Orthodontics, Corrective/instrumentation , Orthodontics, Corrective/methods , Patient Compliance , Tooth Extraction , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The patient requirement for tailor-made individualized orthodontic treatment is met by cutting edge, state-of-the art computer-aided design and manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM), in order to efficiently and smoothly merge the two normally separate processes of bracket fabrication and bracket positioning. Also, the specific approach of the lingual orthodontic specialist using an innovative and effective tool to manage almost every incisor positioning is an absolute key to satisfying the patients' demand. Four clinical cases are shown below with a view to illustrating the precise incisor positioning, as requested by the patients.
