Influence of topographical features on the fluoride corrosion of Ni-Ti orthodontic archwires.

Different manufacturing processes of Ni-Ti archwires respond differently to corrosion due to the surface conditions involved. In this study, several topographical features and their influence upon fluoride corrosion were studied. Four topographies (smooth, dimple, scratch, and crack) according to the main surface defect were characterized (n = 40). Static corrosion tests were performed in artificial saliva with fluorated prophylactic gel (12500 ppm) for 28 days. The surface was characterized by SEM and laser confocal microscopy. Standard electrochemical corrosion (open circuit potential, corrosion potential and corrosion current density) was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using the ANOVA test (α ≤ 0.05). An increase was observed in the surface defects and/or roughness of the cracked and scratched surfaces. These defects produced an important increase in corrosion behavior. The best surfaces for the orthodontic archwires were the smooth and dimpled surfaces, respectively. The increase in defects was independent of roughness. Manufacturing processes that produce surface cracks should be avoided in orthodontic applications.