Résistance à la corrosion du NiTi en milieu fluoré et acidifié

Degradation of the mechanical properties of orthodontic NiTi alloys in the oral environment: an in vitro study

Appropriate characterization studies are needed to demonstrate the mechanical and biological effects of interaction between archwires and the oral environment. The aim of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the impact of this acidic and fluoridated environment on the electrochemical behavior and the mechanical properties of orthodontic alloys in nickel titanium and in stainless steel (controls) for the following parameters: Young's modulus (E), elastic limit (σe) and the maximum tensile load (σm). Six samples of each archwire alloy were used to assess these parameters. An Instron universal test apparatus (model - 88512) was used for the traction tests on the wires after immersion in solutions at different concentrations of fluoride and at various pH levels. Observations were made using an electron scanning microscope (ESM) to evaluate the surface and an ICP (inductively coupled plasma) mass spectroscopy analysis was made to quantify the substances released into the immersion solution. For the NiTi archwires, immersion in the fluoridated and acidic medium showed a statistically significant reduction of the Young's modulus (E), the elastic limit (σe) and the maximum tensile load (σm). Similarly, a higher level of released nickel proportionate to the increase in the fluoride concentration and acidity was observed in the immersion solutions. ESM observations revealed the status of the surface of the different alloys and the presence of corrosive pitting.

Degradation of orthodontic wires under simulated cariogenic and erosive conditions

This study examined the effect of cariogenic and erosive challenges (CCs and ECs, respectively) on the degradation of copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) orthodontic wires. Sixty wire segments were divided into four treatment groups and exposed to CCs, ECs, artificial saliva, or dry storage (no-treatment control). CC and EC were simulated using a demineralizing solution (pH 4.3) and a citric acid solution (pH 2.3), respectively. Following treatment, the average surface roughness (Ra) of the wires was assessed, and friction between the wires and a passive self-ligating bracket was measured. CuNiTi wires subjected to ECs exhibited significantly higher Ra values than did those that were stored in artificial saliva. In contrast, surface roughness was not affected by CCs. Finally, friction between the treated wires and brackets was not affected by ECs or CCs. Our results indicate that CuNiTi orthodontic wires may suffer degradation within the oral cavity, as ECs increased the surface roughness of these wires. However, rougher surfaces did not increase friction between the wire and the passive self-ligating bracket.

[Evaluation of the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires by electrochemical measures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)]

The objective of this paper is to study the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires made of different alloys (stainless steel, chrome-cobalt, nickel-titanium and β-titanium) and for the same alloy from different vendors (GAC(®), RMO(®), 3M(®) and ORMCO(®)). Different electrochemical techniques (corrosion potential monitoring as a function of immersion time, current-potential curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) were used. The wires' resistance to corrosion was measured and compared with the surface condition, assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using the recorded data, a rating system based on the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires was developed. The comparison of these data with the results of SEM shows that the surface chemical composition plays a primary role in the electrochemical behavior of the orthodontic wires and, unlike surface defects, is a key parameter for the corrosion resistance of the alloy.

Effects of sterilization and disinfection procedures on the corrosion of orthodontic ligature cutters

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to investigate the corrosion resistance of orthodontic ligature cutters subjected separately to two different sterilization procedures, namely, autoclaving and chemical disinfection with main focus on the cutting section of each instrument.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four ligature cutters were obtained from three different manufacturers: Hu-Friedy, ETM, and Nadir & Co. The study included a control group (G0) and four experimental groups (G1-4). G1 was subjected to 50 autoclave sterilization cycles. G2, G3, and G4 were subjected to 50 chemical disinfection cycles using, respectively, Peridiol E, Hexanios G+R, and Steranios 2%. Manufacturer recommendations were followed. The instruments' blades were studied via SEM and X-ray microanalysis (EDX spectrum).

RESULTS

These cutters have inserts made from various resistant alloys. SEM micrographs revealed different forms of corrosion depending on whether autoclaving or chemical disinfectant sterilization procedures were used, and depending on the alloys present. Chemical disinfection is more aggressive than autoclave sterilization, and is responsible for localized corrosion in the form of pitting. This is more detrimental to the lifespan of orthodontic cutters.

CONCLUSION

Sterilization/disinfection procedures should be adapted to the chemical profile of the metal alloys present. Recommendations for use published by instrument manufacturers must be followed.

Alteration in the inherent metallic and surface properties of nickel-titanium root canal instruments to enhance performance, durability and safety: a focused review

The expanded use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments in root canal procedures has led to the development of a wide variety of shapes, designs and applications. Root canal anatomy has not changed, however, and the same challenges exist in both initial treatment and the revision of unacceptable treatment. These challenges include application with high levels of achievement and low to no levels of adverse effects, such as instrument fracture, root canal wall ledging, dentine wall perforation and so forth. To that end, many manufacturers have been seeking ways to alter the presently available and wide range of root canal instrument designs, with a focus on altering the surface of the alloy or altering the alloy microstructure with post-machining or post-twisting heat treatment. This focused review will address the impact that these modifications have had on instrument flexibility, resistance to cyclic fatigue and cutting efficiency.

Behavior of NiTi in the presence of oral bacteria: corrosion by Streptococcus mutans

The aim of this study was to investigate the electrochemical behavior of nickel titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires in a solution containing Streptococcus mutans oral bacteria. In this article, we explain our choice of bacterial species before describing the culture process in artificial saliva and the precautions needed to prevent contamination by other bacteria. The electrochemical behavior of the alloy (NiTi) was analyzed electrochemically in Ringer sterile artificial saliva and in artificial saliva enriched with a sterile broth and modified by addition of bacteria. The electrochemical procedures chosen for this study were: free corrosion potential, potentiodynamic curves and impedance spectroscopy. In this way, we were able to show that the free corrosion potential of the NiTi in the Ringer solution increases with time and then stabilizes, thus passivating the alloy. We also demonstrated that colonization of the metal surface by bacteria triggered a drop in the free corrosion potential. The electrochemical impedance findings revealed no significant difference in NiTi behavior between the two media. Finally, we observed a slight difference between the two corrosion currents in favor of the bacteria-enriched solution, in which the NiTi underwent greater corrosion. These findings demonstrate the impact of acidogenic bacteria on corrosion behavior of the NiTi wires investigated. However, further research is required, notably incorporating longer immersion times in the two media.