A torque removal study on the primary stability of orthodontic titanium screw mini-implants in the cortical bone of dog femurs.

The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the primary stability of pure titanium orthodontic mini-implants, inserted into pre-drilled cavities of differing diameters. Mini-implants (1.2 mm diameter) were placed into 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm diameter cavities prepared in the mid-region of the bilateral hind leg femurs of anesthetized beagles. Removal torque strengths were measured immediately, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks post-insertion of the implant. For mini-implants placed into 1-mm cavities, removal torque values decrease over the first 6 weeks (p<0.01), after which values remained static. Average values obtained immediately, 1, 3 and 6 weeks post-insertion were 10.98, 8.83, 7.20 and 5.12 Ncm, respectively . Immediately post-insertion, removal torque values of mini-implants placed in a 1.2-mm cavity, were 11-fold lower than those placed in 1.0-mm cavities, which then demonstrated a significant increase in strength from 3 weeks (1.35 Ncm) to 6 weeks (5.17 Ncm) post-insertion (p<0.01). Measurements 6, 9 and 12 weeks post-insertion were similar to those in the 1.0-mm cavity. Initial stability of titanium mini-implants is considered necessary for immediate and early use in orthodontics, and an implant without this initial stability should be replaced or isolated until it develops the appropriate stability supported by osseointegration.

Fit and dimensional changes of cast CP titanium crowns fabricated using sintered molds.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical applicability of cast CP titanium crowns fabricated with sintered molds. To this end, the dimensional changes and accuracy of fit of cast CP titanium crowns, manufactured under varying mold firing temperatures, were examined. Molds were fired at 7 temperatures. The outer height of the crown and outer width of the occlusal surface decreased under all sets of firing conditions. The outer width of the cervical part tended to increase at firing temperatures of 1,200, 1,300 and 1,400 degrees C. The inner widths of the occlusal surface and cervical part tended to increase under all sets of firing conditions. In the analysis of the fit of crowns, floating (gained latitude) was observed under all sets of conditions. However, the amount of floating was significantly smaller when the firing temperature was 1,200, 1,300 or 1,400 degrees C than when it was 800, 900, 1,000 or 1,100 degrees C.

Effect of impression material on surface reactive layer when casting pure titanium in phosphate investment.

We evaluated the effect of impression materials used in preparation of pure titanium castings on the surface reactive layer. Surface roughness of the refractory models before and after firing was smaller when silicone rather than agar impression material was used. The surface roughness of castings prepared with T-invest varied little with the impression material. However, the surface roughness of the castings prepared with CD Titaninvest was less when silicone impression material was used. Surface hardness of the castings was slightly greater when agar impression material was used, and metallic texture analysis of the surface of the castings showed a chill layer and a columnar crystal layer extending from the surface toward the interior. A relatively non-corroded white layer and a markedly corroded black layer were observed in the chill layer, and their thickness was smaller when silicone impression material was used. Use of the Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) to determine distribution of various elements in the superficial layer of the casting plates showed that the reactive layer contained less P and Si when silicone impression material was used rather than agar. NH4H2 PO4, which is a component of the bonding material in the investment, was present at a high concentration in the superficial layer of the agar impression material. This shows the importance of preparing refractory models with a non-water-absorbing impression material to obtain pure titanium casting plates with a smaller reactive layer.

Application of lingual contact occlusion to complete dentures with two-layered posterior teeth: a clinical report.

When two-layered artificial teeth are used, acrylic resin occlusal parts can be removed from base parts and used directly as resin patterns for casting, which facilitates fabrication of metal occlusal surfaces. Because these teeth were made of acrylic resin, it was easy to modify occlusal morphology before converting to metal. Application of two-layered artificial teeth to achieve lingual contact occlusion brought about sufficient masticatory forces and denture stability and resulted in patient satisfaction.