Scanning electron microscope analysis of titanium alloy orthodontic implants

Abstract

According to titanium's much higher hardness and strength compared with the bone, if correctly applied, mini-screws will suffer no damage. Reusing orthodontic mini-screws would reduce treatment cost and lead to more use of mini-screws and improvement of orthodontic treatments. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess structural variations of retrieved orthodontic implants and to evaluate the mechanical properties that may adversely affect stability of orthodontic implants. For analisys 10 selfdrilling mini-implants retrieved after treatment, made from commercially pure (CP) alpha-titanium from two brands Leone®, Italy and ForestaDent®, Germany were analised using SEM according to the degree of morphological deformation of the head, transmucosal neck, threaded body, and tip of the implant at up to 10,000 x light magnification. The mini-implants did not present any defects such as bubbles, imperfections or fissures in their internal microstructure. No significant marks resulting from the manufacturing process were observed. Surface irregularities in the threaded body and tip (fig. 5-7) were observed and significant tip deformation was evident in the majority (80%) of retrieved mini-implants.