Érika de Oliveira Dias de Macedo

Pigment effect on the long term elasticity of elastomeric ligatures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response of elastomeric ligatures in several colors for a 4 mm traction over time. METHODS: Morelli® elastomeric ligatures, were submitted to traction forces using two rods of circular cross section, until a 4 mm distance was reached, matching the approximate diameter of an upper central incisor bracket of the same manufacturer. The ligatures were kept in artificial saliva immersion at 37 oC. Forces levels were measured immediately (0 h), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks and results were submitted to two-way repeated-measures ANOVA statistical analysis. RESULTS: The gray samples showed the higher initial values of tensile strength. The lowest values were presented by purple, light pink, green, black and red groups. The greater tensile strength instability was presented by red, black, silver, green and gray groups. The greater tensile strength stability was presented by deep pink, dark blue, blue, purple and light pink groups. CONCLUSION: Elastomeric ligatures do not present stable behavior when suffering traction forces over time and different colors display different behaviors. Deep pink, dark blue, blue, purple and light pink groups, displayed the most stable forces, suggesting that they should be used during the treatment to obtain constant forces.

In vitro analysis of shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of different metal brackets

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a great variety of orthodontic brackets in the Brazilian market, and constantly evaluating them is critical for professionals to know their properties, so as to be able to choose which product best suits their clinical practice. Objectives: To evaluate the bond strength and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of different brands of metal brackets. Material and Methods: A total of 105 bovine incisors were used, and brackets of different brands were bonded to teeth. Seven different bracket brands were tested (MorelliTM, American OrthodonticsTM, TP OrthodonticsTM, Abzil-3MTM, OrthometricTM, TecnidentTM and UNIDENTM). Twenty-four hours after bonding, shear bond strength test was performed; and after debonding, the ARI was determined by using an optical microscope at a 10-fold increase. Results: Mean shear bond strength values ranged from 3.845 ± 3.997 (MorelliTM) to 9.871 ± 5.106 MPa (TecnidentTM). The majority of the ARI index scores was 0 and 1. Conclusion: Among the evaluated brackets, the one with the lowest mean shear bond strength values was MorelliTM. General evaluation of groups indicated that a greater number of bond failure occurred at the enamel/adhesive interface.

Influence of peracetic acid at acrylic resin properties

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of peracetic acid immersion on water sorption, solubility and microhardness of heat and self-cured acrylic resins. METHODS: Thirty specimens of each type of acrylic resin were produced for sorption, solubility and microhardness evaluation. Sorption and solubility were evaluated based on ISO1567. For the microhardness test, specimens (20.0×5.0×10.0 mm) were made and evaluated under a 100 g load for 15 s. The test groups were submitted to a peracetic acid 0.2% immersion for 10 minutes. Data of sorption and solubility were analyzed by two way ANOVA and, hardness values, by paired t-test. RESULTS: Values of sorption and solubility were in agreement with ISO1567 requirements to both groups and ranged, in µg/mm3, for sorption from 22.28 (±4.40) to 24.25 (±3.27), and from 1.09 (±0.16) to 1.29 (±0.10) for solubility. Solubility showed a statistically significant difference between the two types of resin at test group. There was no statistical significant difference at the microhardness values. CONCLUSION: In this study, immersion in peracetic acid solution 0.2% showed no alterations at acrylic resin properties tested.Peracetic acid could be recommended to replace the conventional agents for the disinfection of acrylic resin devices.