Austenitic stainless steel is frequently used to fabricate orthodontic appliances, which contains 8-10% of nickel. Such metal is responsible for hypersensitivity allergic reactions. Thus, nickel release of orthodontic appliances may be responsible for contact dermatitis in sensitive patients. This study assessed the influence of three variables in nickel release of metal brackets: 1) type of metal alloy; 2) type of solution used for immersion; and 3) mechanical stress. Six experimental and two control groups were assessed. The specimens were immersed in saline solution or artificial saliva, maintained in constant agitation in controlled temperature environment (37ºC). Nickel present in solutions was measured with atomic spectroscopy (Varian-Spectra A55) in two moments: after one and after two weeks. The results showed that brackets made of low nickel contend alloy released less nickel than standard ones. It was possible to notice that the type of solution alters the pattern of nickel release. Mechanical stress applied in the slots of standard brackets did not influence nickel release.
Metals; Orthodontic; Nickel; Metal brackets
