Variations in surface characteristics and corrosion behaviour of metal brackets and wires in different electrolyte solutions

The aim of this study was to assess the surface characteristics and to compare the corrosion potential of metal brackets and wires in environments containing different media. Four brands of metal brackets and two types of orthodontic wires [stainless steel and nickel-titanium (NiTi)] were investigated. An electrochemical assay was used to compare the corrosion potential (V) of the brackets and wires in different electrolyte media at 37 degrees C. The test media were acidulated sodium fluoride (NaF) and pH 4 and pH 6 artificial saliva solutions. The data were analysed using analysis of variance with a predetermined significance level of alpha = 0.05. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe surface defects and corrosion. The results of the potentiodynamic curve showed that most brands of metal brackets were easily corroded in the NaF and pH 4 environments, while the NiTi and stainless steel wires were easily corroded in the pH 4 artificial saliva. SEM observations showed that defects or pitting corrosion occurred on the surfaces of the brackets and wires in all tested media.