OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the biodegradation of simulated orthodontic appliances consisting of stainless steel brackets and wires. MATERIALS AND METHODOS: The sample was divided in 2 groups, according to brackets brand: group A - Dyna-Lock, 3M/ Unitek (AISI 303); and group B - LG Edgewise Standard, American Orthodontics (AISI 316L). The specimens (simulated orthodontic appliances) were incubated in saline solution (0.05%), in shake, at 36ºC, for 60 days. The ion release was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The weight of brackets was also measured before and after the test. RESULTS: The results indicated that group A released more ions iron, nickel and chromium than group B. Moreover, the brackets in group A also presented weight loss, which is considered an indicator of corrosion. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that, under the present study conditions, the brackets from group A presented a higher biodegradation than group’s B brackets, what could be associated to composition and manufacturing process of these brackets.
Corrosion; Orthodontic brackets; Orthodontic wires
