Guilherme Marigo1, Carlos Nelson Elias2, Marcelo Marigo3. 1. Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Health Science, Vale do Rio Doce University, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: guilherme@ortodontiamarigo.com.br. 2. Adjunct professor, Materials Science Department, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 3. Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Health Science, Vale do Rio Doce University, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the design and surface morphology of 2 brands of mini-implants before and after 12 to 18 months of clinical use. METHODS: We studied 22 mini-implants sold in the Brazilian market by 2 companies (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany; and Dental Morelli, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil). The surface morphology of the mini-implants was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy before and after insertion in the oral environment to aid orthodontic movement. RESULTS: The Forestadent and the Morelli mini-implants showed different shapes (size, screw thread design), and the surface morphology changed after clinical use. The most important surface morphology alterations after clinical use were strain in several parts and fracture of the active thread part of some mini-implants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analyses showed that the screw threads of the mini-implants differ in pitch, angle, and length. The mini-implants also showed differences in body design, active tip, and taper. These differences affect the performance of the mini-implants. After clinical use, all mini-implants showed surface degradation, plastic deformation, and some fractures.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the design and surface morphology of 2 brands of mini-implants before and after 12 to 18 months of clinical use. METHODS: We studied 22 mini-implants sold in the Brazilian market by 2 companies (Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany; and Dental Morelli, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil). The surface morphology of the mini-implants was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy before and after insertion in the oral environment to aid orthodontic movement. RESULTS: The Forestadent and the Morelli mini-implants showed different shapes (size, screw thread design), and the surface morphology changed after clinical use. The most important surface morphology alterations after clinical use were strain in several parts and fracture of the active thread part of some mini-implants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analyses showed that the screw threads of the mini-implants differ in pitch, angle, and length. The mini-implants also showed differences in body design, active tip, and taper. These differences affect the performance of the mini-implants. After clinical use, all mini-implants showed surface degradation, plastic deformation, and some fractures.