Sérgio Estelita Barros1, Viviane Vanz2, Kelly Chiqueto2, Guilherme Janson3, Eduardo Ferreira2. 1. Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2492, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. sergioestelita@yahoo.com.br. 2. Division of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2492, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. 3. Department of Orthodontics, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Alameda Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The mechanical strength of mini-implants is a critical factor due to their small diameters. Currently, it is not possible to state whether there is a relevant difference between the mechanical properties of stainless steel (SS-MIs) and titanium alloy mini-implants (TA-MIs). The objective of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the mechanical strength of SS-MIs and TA-MIs, and to analyze, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the SS-MI, and TA-MI threads resistance to morphological damage after insertion. METHODS: A standardized sample of 504 SS-MIs and TA-MIs with diameters ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm was used. Torsional fracture was performed in 154 MIs. Flexural strength of 280 MIs was evaluated at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection. The threads of 70 MIs were morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after their insertion in high-density artificial bone blocks. Comparisons between SS-MIs and TA-MIs were performed with t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of variables on the ranging of MI mechanical strength. RESULTS: SS-MIs had higher fracture torque. The mean difference between the SS-MIs and TA-MIs fracture torque was of 4.09 Ncm. The MI diameter explained 90.3% of the total variation in fracture torque, while only 2.2% was explained by the metallic alloy. The SS-MI group presented a higher deformation force during the 1mm and 2mm-deflection. The mean difference between the flexural strength of SS and TA-MIs at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection was of 18.21 N and 17.55 N, respectively. There was no noticeable morphological damage to the threads of SS-MIs and TA-MIs. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected. SS-MIs were 13.2% and 20.2% more resistant to torsional fracture and deflection, respectively. The threads of the SS-MIs and TA-MIs were not damaged during the insertion and removal process. Thus, the use of SS-MI can reduce the fracture risk without increasing the MI diameter.
BACKGROUND: The mechanical strength of mini-implants is a critical factor due to their small diameters. Currently, it is not possible to state whether there is a relevant difference between the mechanical properties of stainless steel (SS-MIs) and titanium alloy mini-implants (TA-MIs). The objective of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the mechanical strength of SS-MIs and TA-MIs, and to analyze, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the SS-MI, and TA-MI threads resistance to morphological damage after insertion. METHODS: A standardized sample of 504 SS-MIs and TA-MIs with diameters ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm was used. Torsional fracture was performed in 154 MIs. Flexural strength of 280 MIs was evaluated at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection. The threads of 70 MIs were morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after their insertion in high-density artificial bone blocks. Comparisons between SS-MIs and TA-MIs were performed with t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of variables on the ranging of MI mechanical strength. RESULTS:SS-MIs had higher fracture torque. The mean difference between the SS-MIs and TA-MIs fracture torque was of 4.09 Ncm. The MI diameter explained 90.3% of the total variation in fracture torque, while only 2.2% was explained by the metallic alloy. The SS-MI group presented a higher deformation force during the 1mm and 2mm-deflection. The mean difference between the flexural strength of SS and TA-MIs at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection was of 18.21 N and 17.55 N, respectively. There was no noticeable morphological damage to the threads of SS-MIs and TA-MIs. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected. SS-MIs were 13.2% and 20.2% more resistant to torsional fracture and deflection, respectively. The threads of the SS-MIs and TA-MIs were not damaged during the insertion and removal process. Thus, the use of SS-MI can reduce the fracture risk without increasing the MI diameter.
Authors: Liliane S Morais; Glaucio G Serra; Carlos A Muller; Leonardo R Andrade; Elisabete F A Palermo; Carlos N Elias; Marc Meyers Journal: Acta Biomater Date: 2007-01-25 Impact factor: 8.947
Authors: Micah G Mortensen; Peter H Buschang; Donald R Oliver; Hee-Moon Kyung; Rolf G Behrents Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop Date: 2009-08 Impact factor: 2.650