The influence of electron beam irradiation on colour stability and hardness of aesthetic brackets.

Electron beam irradiation can be used to improve the mechanical properties of polymers. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of electron beam irradiation with an energy dose of 100 kGy on the mechanical properties and colour stability of conventional polymer brackets and experimental filled composite brackets. The conventional brackets tested were Aesthetik-Line, Brillant, and Envision. The experimental brackets contained urethane dimethacrylate, as a monomer matrix and functional silane-treated SiO(2) fillers with a filler content of either 10 (Exper 1) or 40 (Exper 2) vol per cent. The influence of electron beam post-curing on Vickers hardness (VH) of the polymer brackets was investigated. Additionally, a possible discolouration of the brackets after electron beam irradiation was determined according to the three-dimensional L* a* b* colour space. The irradiated brackets were compared with untreated control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. With the exception of Brillant brackets, all investigated brackets showed a significant enhancement of VH after electron beam post-curing. However, the brackets suffered a significant increase in discolouration. Aesthetik-Line brackets showed the highest discolouration, ΔE, and Exper 2 brackets the lowest ΔE values. The discolouration of the examined brackets differed significantly. These results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of polymer brackets could be modified by electron beam irradiation. Nevertheless, clinical use of electron beam post-curing might be restricted because of unacceptable colour changes.