Evaluation of the Corrosion of Five Different Bracket-Archwire Combination: An In-vitro Analysis Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Stainless steel brackets release metallic ions following the process of corrosion in the oral environment. These released ions have potential adverse effects on health, friction between wire and bracket, staining, strength of brackets. Choosing a bracket with favorable corrosive properties; therefore, should be a goal of every practitioner. PURPOSE The goal of this study is to compare the amount of corrosion among five different brands of brackets using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry. MATERIALS AND METHOD Five different brands of brackets (Dentaurum, 3M, Ortho Organizer, Cobas and O.R.G) were chosen and ten brackets were selected from each brand. A piece of stainless steel wire was ligated to each bracket. The bracket-archwire complex was then immersed in artificial saliva. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed using an ICP device and the levels of iron, chromium, nickel, and manganese ions were measured. RESULTS The findings of this study demonstrated that iron was released the most from the tested brackets, followed by nickel. We also found that the Cobas bracket had the most ion release among the tested brackets (p< 0.05), while Ortho Organizer and ORG performed favorably. There was no significant difference between Dentaurum and 3M (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on the results, Ortho Organizer and ORG brackets are suggested in terms of resistance to corrosion.