RESUMO
Orthodontic mini-implants are devices used for anchorage in various orthodontic treatments. We conducted a pilot study which aimed to observe preliminary trends regarding the impact of heat treatment on the elastic modulus of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. The initial phase involved testing the impact of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten self-drilling mini-implants sourced from two distinct manufacturers (Jeil Medical Corporation® and Leone®) with dimensions of 2.0 mm diameter and 10 mm length were tested. They were separated into two material groups: Ti6Al4V and 316L. Using the CETRUMT-2 microtribometer equipment, indentation testing was conducted employing a diamond-tipped Rockwell penetrator at a constant force of 4.5 N. RESULTS: Slight differences were observed in the elastic modulus of the Ti6Al4V alloy (103.99 GPa) and stainless steel 316L (203.20 GPa) compared to natural bone. The higher elastic moduli of these materials indicate that they are stiffer, which could potentially lead to stress-shielding phenomena and bone resorption. Heat treatment resulted in significant changes in mechanical properties, including elastic modulus reductions of approximately 26.14% for Ti6Al4V and 24.82% for 316L, impacting their performance in orthodontic applications. CONCLUSION: Understanding the effects of heat treatment on these alloys is crucial for optimizing their biomechanical compatibility and longevity in orthodontic treatment. To fully evaluate the effects of heat treatment on mini-implants and to refine their design and efficacy in clinical practice, further research is needed.
RESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the transfer of traditional on-site educational activities to the online environment. This study aimed to evaluate the perception and acceptance of remote learning among fixed prosthodontic students attending the Faculty of Dental Medicine of "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania, and to analyze the feedback regarding their experience with the new online methods, the perceived quality thereof and suggestions for improvement. An observational cross-sectional, online study based on 22 questions was conducted with 259 students. The general opinion of online education was good or very good (40.15%); regarding its efficiency, 28.57% found it efficient while 34.36% found it inefficient or very inefficient; regarding the pleasure of learning online, 45.95% of students enjoyed online learning, while 36.64% did not enjoy it. The problem that was most cited by respondents was that of keeping all students motivated and involved (65.6%). Sixty-two percent of the respondents believe that online dental education should not exist, or just to a small extent, a result justified by the practical nature of the profession. The general opinion was that health risks should be managed and mitigated by using a hybrid system that would allow students to do on-site clinical training with direct contact with patients.
