Use of Electropolishing in Orthodontic Appliances: An Option to Reduce the Risk of Metal Hypersensitivity

TL;DR

Electropolishing improves the surface of orthodontic metal appliances, potentially reducing metal hypersensitivity risks, especially from nickel.

Contribution

This study evaluates electropolishing effects on orthodontic metals, showing reduced nickel and improved corrosion resistance.

Findings

Electropolishing reduces nickel content in NiTi archwires and iron in brackets.

Electropolished brackets show minor surface irregularities and increased chromium.

Treatment improves corrosion resistance and may lower metal hypersensitivity risks.

Abstract

Electropolishing is a common treatment in the industry; however, how it behaves in the mouth and what benefits it can bring over metal dental attachments have not yet been established. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of corrosion, the released metal ions, and the changes in structural composition in metallic orthodontic appliances following electropolishing treatment. This study included 56 orthodontic brackets and 28 archwires. The samples were subjected to a pH cycle to simulate an oral environment. Using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, the release of metallic particles was evaluated, and using scanning electron microscopy, the structural and composition changes were evaluated. Groups were compared using Student’s t-tests with a value of p ≤ 0.05. The cyclical pH solutions showed variations between groups and days (1, 3, 5, 7 and 15), reaching the highest acidification in the self-ligating brackets; the absorbance between solutions did not differ significantly. As seen from the SEM results, the experimental group showed minor irregularities compared with the control groups. The experimental brackets decreased in iron and increased in chromium after electropolishing, while for the NiTi archwires, they decreased in nickel. Therefore, electropolishing treatments in metallic orthodontic attachments improve their surface structure and corrosion resistance could reduce the risk of metal hypersensitivity, mainly from nickel.

Figures