Galvanic corrosion between various combinations of orthodontic brackets and archwires

By Bakhtari, Arash; Bradley, Thomas Gerard; Lobb, William K. & Berzins, David W.
Published in American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics NULL 2011

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare galvanic currents generated by different combinations of commonly used brackets and archwires. Methods As-received stainless steel, nickel-titanium, and beta-titanium wires were coupled to stainless steel and titanium brackets in an artificial saliva medium. The galvanic current and amount of charge transferred for each pair were monitored with a zero resistance ammeter for 10 hours. Results Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference in charge and galvanic currents when factored for type of bracket (P <0.001), but no significant difference between them when factored by type of wire (P >0.05). Specifically, a brazed stainless steel bracket was significantly greater in charge transferred and 10-hour galvanic current than metal injection molded stainless steel and titanium brackets (P <0.001), which were not different from each other (P >0.05). Conclusions The method of bracket manufacturing might be of equal or more relevance to galvanic corrosion susceptibility than bracket composition.

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