Effect of ion implantation of TMA archwires on the rate of orthodontic sliding space closure.

A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was used to determine whether ion implantation of beta-titanium archwire would facilitate sliding space closure. After bilateral maxillary first premolar extractions, 0.19 x 0.025-inch beta-titanium arch wires, ion-implanted on one half only, were placed in 30 subjects aged 10 to 42 years wearing unimplanted 0.022 inch slot appliances. Nickel-titanium springs (150 g) were placed bilaterally to close the extraction spaces. Space closure was measured intraorally at monthly intervals until either the space on one side closed or 6 months had elapsed. The median rates of space closure were not significantly different between the ion-implanted and the unimplanted sides. The average rate of space closure on these beta-titanium wires, with or without ion implantation, was similar to the rate reported on stainless steel arch wires.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes