AIM: to assess and compare the effects of fluoride (NaF 1.23%) on titanium and stainless steel brackets. METHODS: Fifteen titanium brackets, divided in 3 groups were used: A) control group (no treatment on its surface), B) brackets immersed in NaF (60 seconds) and washed with distilled water (30 seconds), C) brackets with similar treatment to group B and submitted to brushing (15 seconds). Fifteen stainless steel brackets were used for comparative effects, divided in 3 groups, and submitted to the same described procedures. All brackets were evaluated by macroscopic (visual appearence) and scanning microscopy (Philips, model XL 30), before and after the procedures. RESULTS: titanium brackets submitted to fluoride (NaF), groups B and C, presented discoloration (matte gray color) when compared to group A. Stainless steel brackets showed no color alteration. CONCLUSION: titanium and stainless steel brackets showed no change in surface roughness or chemical components when immersed in sodium fluoride solution.
Titanium brackets; Corrosion; Sodium fluoride
