Surface Analysis for Signs of Corrosion of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Used In Vivo

The objective was to evaluate and assess the surface quality of fixed orthodontic appliances after intraoral usage for several months. Nine sets of orthodontic brackets by three different manufacturers and twelve archwires differing in chemical composition were analyzed in a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer for signs of corrosion. Obtained results showed that the majority of the evaluated appliances displayed no traces of corrosion. Machining or casting defects hardly ever act as the origins of corrosion processes. However, some samples displayed signs of corrosion of a galvanic and pitting nature. The authors claim, that despite the surface defects, most of the appliances were able to retain the desired corrosion resistance, although in some cases these flaws could act as the origin of corrosion processes.