1
|
Porojan L, Bejan FR, Tirziu E, Gașpar CM, Moza AC, Gherban MI, Vasiliu RD, Matichescu A. Microbiological Evaluation of Thermoplastic PETG Dental Appliances Related to Surface Characteristics. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2354. [PMID: 39204574 PMCID: PMC11359120 DOI: 10.3390/polym16162354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The adhesion and microbiological behaviour of thermoplastic PETG dental appliance surfaces is governed by roughness parameters. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant in Candida albicans biofilms on thermoplastic PETG, related to artificial ageing and surface characteristics, on multiscale levels. (2) Methods: In the present study, two PETG materials were investigated: Crystal® (Bio Art Dental Equipment, Sao Carlos, Brazil), noted as C, and Duran® (Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany)-noted as D. Half of the specimens were thermally cycled (TC), resulting in four sample groups, as follows: C, CTC, D, and DTC. Surface roughness was evaluated on different scale topographies. The biofilms were grown on the surfaces. An alkaline peroxide-based disinfectant was used. Statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: Related to nanoroughness, there are insignificant differences among materials or related to thermocycling. More irregular surfaces are associated with larger grain sizes. After thermocycling, micro-roughness values increase. Disinfectant activity decreases the amount of biofilm developed on the surfaces, significantly in the two groups, but is not correlated to the material and artificial ageing. (4) Conclusion: The impact of surface roughness (Ra) on biofilm constitution is controlled by different scale topographies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Porojan
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (F.R.B.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Flavia Roxana Bejan
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (F.R.B.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Emil Tirziu
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Romania, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (E.T.); (C.M.G.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Cristina Mirabela Gașpar
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Romania, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (E.T.); (C.M.G.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Alex Cristian Moza
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Timișoara, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Romania, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania; (E.T.); (C.M.G.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Mihaela Ionela Gherban
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 300569 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Roxana Diana Vasiliu
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (F.R.B.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Anamaria Matichescu
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Porojan L, Toma FR, Gherban MI, Vasiliu RD, Matichescu A. Surface Topography of Thermoplastic Appliance Materials Related to Sorption and Solubility in Artificial Saliva. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:379. [PMID: 39056820 PMCID: PMC11274910 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a transparent, inexpensive, and versatile thermoplastic biomaterial, and it is increasingly being used for a variety of medical applications in dentistry, orthopedics, tissue engineering, and surgery. It is known to have remarkable properties such as tensile strength, high ductility, and resistance to chemical insults and heat, but it can be affected by various environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the topographical characteristics of four thermoplastic dental appliance materials in relation to water sorption in simulated oral environments (artificial saliva samples with different pH values). (2) Methods: The following four types of PETG clear thermoplastic materials were selected for the present study: Leone (L), Crystal (C), Erkodur (E), and Duran (D). In relation to the desiccation and water-uptake stages, their water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were calculated, and the surface topographies were analyzed on two length scales. The surface roughness was determined using a contact profilometer, and nanoroughness measurements were generated by three-dimensional profiles using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Statistical analyses (one-way ANOVA and unpaired and paired Student t-tests) were performed. (3) Results: After saliva immersion, the weights of all samples increased, and the highest sorption was recorded in a basic environment. Among the materials, the water uptake for the L samples was the highest, and for E, it was the lowest. In relation to water solubility, significant values were registered for both the L and C samples' materials. After immersion and desiccation, a decreasing trend in microroughness was observed. The AFM high-resolution images reflected more irregular surfaces related to saliva immersion. (4) Conclusions: The sorption rates recorded in water-based artificial saliva were higher for basic pH levels, with significant differences between the samples. There were also significant differences related to the behaviors of the materials included in the study. In relation to roughness, on a microscale, the surfaces tended to be smoother after the saliva immersions, and on a nanoscale, they became more irregular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Porojan
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.R.T.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Flavia Roxana Toma
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.R.T.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Mihaela Ionela Gherban
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 300569 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Roxana Diana Vasiliu
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.R.T.); (R.D.V.)
| | - Anamaria Matichescu
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bonafé ACF, Oliveira DFLM, Fernandes EE, Garcia MT, Bressane A, de Oliveira W, de Mello Rode S. Microbiological evaluation in invisible aligner chemical cleaning methods against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2023:S0889-5406(23)00272-X. [PMID: 37294233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to assess the efficacy of chemical agents in removing Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilm from invisible aligners. METHODS The samples were made of EX30 Invisalign trays, biofilm was cultured by standardized suspensions of C. albicans ATCC strain and S. mutans clinical strain on the sample. The treatments used were 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) (20 minutes), 1% NaClO (10 minutes), chlorhexidine (5 minutes), peroxide (15 minutes), and orthophosphoric acid (15 seconds). The control group received phosphate-buffered saline for 10 minutes. The colony-forming units per milliliter of each microorganism were determined by serial dilutions seeded in plates with selective culture mediums for each one. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Iman tests at an α of 0.05. RESULTS For the C. albicans biofilm group, the control group had 9.7 Log10 of microorganism growth, and all treatment groups had statistically significant biofilm reduction, in which chlorhexidine presented the highest inhibition of 3 Log10, followed by alkaline peroxide and orthophosphoric acid both with 2.6 Log10, 1% NaClO (2.5 Log10), and 0.5% NaClO (2 Log10). As for S. mutans, the control group had 8.9 Log10 of growth, and a total microorganism inhibition was reached by chlorhexidine, 1% NaClO, and orthophosphoric acid, whereas alkaline peroxide inhibited growth to 7.9 Log10 and 0.5% NaClO 5.1 Log10. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations, chlorhexidine and orthophosphoric acid had greater efficacy in both biofilms. In addition, 1% NaClO and alkaline peroxide also had significant effects; therefore, their incorporation aligners disinfection protocols are valid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Ferreira Bonafé
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil.
| | | | - Ellen Eduarda Fernandes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Adriano Bressane
- Department of Environment Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Wagner de Oliveira
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Sigmar de Mello Rode
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bichu YM, Alwafi A, Liu X, Andrews J, Ludwig B, Bichu AY, Zou B. Advances in orthodontic clear aligner materials. Bioact Mater 2023; 22:384-403. [PMID: 36311049 PMCID: PMC9588987 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid technological improvements in biomaterials, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) have endorsed clear aligner therapy (CAT) as a mainstay of orthodontic treatment, and the materials employed for aligner fabrication play an all-important role in determining the clinical performance of clear aligners. This narrative review has attempted to comprehensively encompass the entire gamut of materials currently used for the fabrication of clear aligners and elucidate their characteristics that are crucial in determining their performance in an oral environment. Historical developments and current protocols in aligner fabrication, features of contemporary bioactive materials, and emerging trends related to CAT are discussed. Advances in aligner material chemistry and engineering possess the potential to bring about radical transformations in the therapeutic applications of CAT; in the absence of which, clear aligners would continue to underperform clinically, due to their inherent biomechanical constraints. Finally, while innovations in aligner materials such as shape memory polymers, direct three-dimensional (3D) printed clear aligners and bioactive materials combined with clear aligner materials are essential to further advance the applications of CAT; increased awareness of environmental responsibilities among aligner manufacturers, aligner prescribing clinicians and aligner users is essential for better alignment of our climate change goals towards a sustainable planet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdulraheem Alwafi
- Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Public Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaomo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | | | - Björn Ludwig
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | | | - Bingshuang Zou
- Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Porojan L, Toma FR, Bîrdeanu MI, Vasiliu RD, Matichescu A. Topographical and Optical Characteristics of Thermoplastic Dental Appliances Materials Related to Water Sorption. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040190. [PMID: 37103280 PMCID: PMC10146702 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear thermoplastic materials have increased in popularity in the dental field due to their various applications, combination of excellent aesthetics, and good biomechanical behavior, but they may be influenced by different environmental conditions. The purpose of the present study was to assess the topographical and optical characteristics of thermoplastic dental appliances materials relative to water sorption. PET-G polyester thermoplastic materials were evaluated in this study. Related to water uptake and desiccation stages, surface roughness was analyzed, and three-dimensional AFM profiles were generated for nano-roughness measurements. Optical CIE L*a*b* coordinates were recorded and parameters like translucency (TP), contrast ratio for the opacity (CR), and opalescence (OP) were derived. Levels of color changes were achieved. Statistical analyses were performed. Water uptake significantly increases the specific weight of the materials, and after desiccation, the mass decreases. Roughness increased after water immersion as well. Regression coefficients indicated a positive correlation between TP and a* and between OP and b*. Studied PET-G materials have a different behavior to water exposure, but for all their specific weight, they increased significantly within the first 12 h. It is accompanied by an increase in the roughness values, even if they continue to be kept below the critical mean surface roughness. On nano-level, 3D images show an increase in inhomogeneity in the network structure of particles. Slight color changes were registered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Porojan
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Flavia Roxana Toma
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ionela Bîrdeanu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, A. Păunescu Podeanu Str. No. 144, 300569 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Diana Vasiliu
- Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anamaria Matichescu
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Warnecki M, Sarul M, Kozakiewicz M, Zięty A, Babiarczuk B, Kawala B, Jurczyszyn K. Surface Evaluation of Aligners after Immersion in Coca-Cola and Orange Juice. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15186341. [PMID: 36143665 PMCID: PMC9504463 DOI: 10.3390/ma15186341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Orthodontic removable appliances made of transparent thermoplastic materials-aligners-are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary orthodontic practice. It is important for the clinician to fully understand the mechanical properties and behavior of the appliance used. Because of that, the aim of our study was to investigate the changes in aligner surface after immersion in Coca-Cola and orange juice. For surface evaluation, fractal analysis, texture analysis, and wetting angle measurement were performed. Statistically significant changes were found between some of the groups in the fractal dimension analysis. In texture analysis, all but one intergroup comparison showed statistically significant differences. For wetting angle assessment, statistically significant differences were found. These were, however, more numerous when assessing glycol droplets, rather than water droplets. Fractal dimension analysis confirmed a correlation between the intensity of changes in the aligner surface with immersion time in the liquids assessed. Texture analysis showed a high sensitivity to the changes in aligner surface. It failed, however, to reveal changes relative to immersion time. Wetting angle analysis revealed aligner surface degradation for Coca-Cola. It did not, however, prove the dependence of the intensity of this degradation as a function of time. Both Coca-Cola and orange juice can cause aligner surface degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Warnecki
- Independent Researcher, Niemodlińska 63, 45-864 Opole, Poland
| | - Michał Sarul
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Kozakiewicz
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskiego Str., 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Zięty
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartosz Babiarczuk
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Beata Kawala
- Department of Dentofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Wrocław Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kamil Jurczyszyn
- Department of Oral Surgery, Wrocław Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nardulli P, Hall GG, Quarta A, Fruscio G, Laforgia M, Garrisi VM, Ruggiero R, Scacco S, De Vito D. Antibiotic Abuse and Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospital Environment: A Retrospective Observational Comparative Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58091257. [PMID: 36143934 PMCID: PMC9505554 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance represents a serious problem, and it may be life-threatening in the case of severe hospital-acquired infections (HAI). Antibiotic abuse and multidrug resistance (MDR) have significantly increased this burden in the last decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and susceptibility rates of five selected bacterial species (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and E. faecium) in two healthcare settings located in the Apulia region (Italy). Materials and Methods: Setting n.1 was a university hospital and setting n.2 was a research institute working on oncological patients. All the enrolled patients were diagnosed for bacterial HAI. The observation period was between August and September 2021. Clinical samples were obtained from several biological sources, in different hospital wards. Bacterial identification and susceptibility were tested by using the software VITEC 2 Single system. Results: In this study, a higher incidence of multi-drug-resistant K. pneumoniae was reported (42,2% in setting n.1 and 50% in setting n.2), with respect to the Italian 2019 statistics report (30.3%). All the isolates of E. faecium and S. aureus were susceptible to linezolid. All the bacterial isolates of P. aeruginosa and most of K. pneumoniae were susceptible to ceftazidime–avibactam. Amikacin and nitrofurantoin represented a good option for treating E. coli infections. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistantE. faecium (VRE) had a lower incidence in the clinical setting, with respect to E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Conclusions: The data obtained in this study can support clinicians towards a rational and safe use of antibiotics for treating the infections caused by these resistant strains, to enhance the overall efficacy of the current antibiotic protocols used in the main healthcare environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Gustafsson Hall
- Visby Hospital, Section of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, 62156 Visby, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Quarta
- DLV System s.r.l., Research Section, Viale della Resistenza, 19, 87036 Quattromiglia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fruscio
- Energent s.p.a., Research Section, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Danila De Vito
- School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70100 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alhendi A, Khounganian R, Ali R, Syed SA, Almudhi A. Structural Conformation Comparison of Different Clear Aligner Systems: An In Vitro Study. Dent J (Basel) 2022; 10:dj10050073. [PMID: 35621526 PMCID: PMC9139589 DOI: 10.3390/dj10050073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural conformations of three clear aligner systems, Eon®, SureSmile®, and Clarity®, and compare them with the most commonly used system, Invisalign®. Clear aligner samples from Invisalign®, Eon®, SureSmile®, and Clarity® were cut into 5 × 5 mm squares and exposed to artificial saliva for 2 weeks. The specimens were then subjected to a Vickers hardness test by applying three separate indentations with a 25 gf load for 15 s. Hardness was calculated using the following formula: Vickers hardness number = 1.854 (F/D2). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed, with a diamond hemisphere and infrared beam being allowed to pass through each specimen. A mid-infrared range from 4000 to 375 cm−1 was recorded. The samples were also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis spectroscopy at different magnifications. No statistically significant differences were observed between the included systems with regard to hardness. All systems showed a polyurethane-based material, as illustrated by the FTIR analysis. Some structural variations were noted in the Invisalign® system, which had a more homogeneous architecture. Statistically significant differences in the carbon weights were found among the systems. The four systems presented comparable hardness levels. Mild molecular composition differences were found, but all systems had the similarity of being composed of a polyurethane-based material. Carbon and oxygen were the main elements, as they were located in all studied clear aligners. The SEM analysis revealed that Invisalign® had a smoother surface than the other three systems. All included clear aligners had similar characteristics with minimal differences, providing a wide variety of options for clinical orthodontic treatment according to patients’ demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Alhendi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-541-419-097
| | - Rita Khounganian
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Raisuddin Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saeed Ali Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullazez Almudhi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Upadhyay M, Arqub SA. Biomechanics of clear aligners: hidden truths & first principles. J World Fed Orthod 2021; 11:12-21. [PMID: 34965910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades clear aligner-based treatment has received remarkableattention from the orthodontic profession and more so from general practitioners.Different companies have emerged using vigorous advertisement to promote theirproducts mainly to patients and clinicians through social media. A variety of concepts,methods, and adjuncts have been introduced to enhance the efficacy andeffectiveness of clear aligners. However, the accuracy of tooth movement (vspredicted) with aligners still hovers around 50%. Fixed appliances fare much better onaccuracy and predictability of treatment. Why is there a discrepancy betweenexpected and actual outcomes? This paper utilizes 'first principles' and the existingevidence to unravel some of the key drawbacks of aligner-based therapy. Severalshortcomings in the biomechanical properties of aligner material (thermoplastics) thataffect clinical performance are discussed. Based on the first principles of alignerbiomechanics, this paper provides clinical insights for improving predictability and effectiveness of aligner therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhur Upadhyay
- Division of Orthodontics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Sarah Abu Arqub
- Division of Orthodontics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|