Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment. | ||||||||
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Force levels of fiber-reinforced composites and orthodontic stainless steel wires: a 3-point bending test.Cacciafesta V, Sfondrini MF, Lena A, Scribante A, Vallittu PK, Lassila LV Department of Orthodontics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. vcacciafesta@hotmail.com INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the force levels of 2 sizes (diameters, 0.6 and 1.2 mm) of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) (Ever Stick; Stick Teck Ltd, Turku, Finland) compared with orthodontic stainless steel wires (sections, 0.016, 0.018, 0.017 x 0.025, and 0.019 x 0.026 in) under the same testing conditions. METHODS: The samples were divided into 12 groups, each consisting of 10 specimens. Each sample was evaluated with a 3-point bending test on a universal testing machine. The FRC groups were light-cured by hand with a halogen curing unit (Optilux 501; SDS Kerr, Danbury, Conn) for 40 seconds. Groups 1 through 6 were tested at 1-mm deflection, and groups 7 through 12 at 2-mm deflection. RESULTS: The results of ANOVA indicated significant differences among the various groups (P = .000). The post-hoc test showed that the 2-mm deflection groups had significantly higher load values than the 1-mm deflection groups (P = .000). The highest force levels were recorded with the 1.2-mm FRCs, followed by the 0.019 x 0.026-in stainless steel wires. No significant differences were found between the 0.6-mm FRCs and the 0.017 x 0.025-in wires. The lowest load values were reported with the 0.016-in stainless steel wires. CONCLUSIONS: The 1.2-mm FRCs showed higher load values than the other stainless steel wires and the FRCs, whereas no significant difference was found between the 0.6-mm FRCs and the 0.017 x 0.025-in stainless steel wires. Thus, FRCs can be considered a viable esthetic alternative to full-size stainless steel wires to rigidly join dental segments to form anchorage units or units for active tooth movement. Published 11 March 2008 in Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 133(3): 410-3.
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