AIM: To evaluate the elemental composition and the slot roughness of 90 metallic brackets divided into 9 groups: group 1 - stainless steel (Equilibrium 2 - Dentaurum); group 2 - titanium (Equilibrium ti - Dentaurum); group 3 - chromium-cobalt (Topic - Dentaurum); group 4 - stainless steel (Standard - TP Orthodontics); group 5 - stainless steel (Serie light - American Orthodontics); group 6 - stainless steel (Kirium Line - Abzil Lancer); group 7 - stainless steel (Monobloc - Morelli); group 8 - stainless steel (Standard - Morelli) and group 9 - stainless steel (Monobloc Golden - Morelli). METHODS: Elemental composition was evaluated using the Spectroscopy of Dispersive Energy. The qualitative slot surface evaluation was assessed using a 500X scanning electron microscope. The microphotography was classified according to surface characteristics in 0-8 values. RESULTS: Elemental composition - group 1 = 100% titanium alloy; group 9 = 99,48% of titanium nitride coated. Group 3 = cobalt-chromium alloy; Group 8 = nickel free stainless steel alloy; other groups stainless steel alloy. Surface evaluation - Group 1 = value 2 (smoothest surface); Groups 2, 5 and 7 =value 3 (smooth surface); Groups 3, 8 and 9 showed value 6 (roughness surface); Group 4 = value 6,5 (the most roughness and irregular surface); and Group 6 has intermediate characteristics among the groups, with value 5. CONCLUSIONS: Metallic brackets were composed of different alloys and they were available with a small percentage or no nickel. The surface roughness was similar for both titanium and stainless steel, however the titanium nitride coated and cobalt-chromium showed an irregular and rough surface.
Metallic brackets; Elemental composition; Slot roughness
