Aim:The high incidence of nickel (Ni) allergy and the increasing use of Ni-containing dental biomaterials have been of growing concern. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze and evaluate the rate of Ni ion release from different types arch wires used in orthodontics.Materials and Methods:Four groups of arch wires (nickel titanium [NiTi], SS, Cu NiTi and ion implanted NiTi) with twelve samples were stored in artificial saliva with a pH 5.6-7.0 thermostated at (36.5°C) and tested at different intervals i.e., 7th day, 14th day, and 21st day. The amount of Ni and Ti ions released from the sample were evaluated using an atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. The solution was replaced with a fresh bottle to avoid sediments.Results:Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric tests (Student's paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple comparison test by Tukey “Honestly significant difference”). The statistical package SPSS PC plus (version 4.0.1) was used for data processing and statistical analysis. Results showed significantly statistical influence on the release amount of Ni and Ti ions. Large variation in concentration of Ni released from brackets and bands combined. However, the amount of Ni ions released in all test solutions diminished with time and was below the critical value necessary to induce allergy and below daily dietary intake level.Conclusions:The daily release of NiTi, SS, Cu NiTi and ion implanted NiTi by an orthodontic appliance in acid pH, particularly favorable to corrosion, was well below that ingested with a normal daily diet. It is therefore concluded that the quantities of metal ions released in our experimental conditions should not be cause for concern in utilizing the appliance.

Objective: Comparative evaluation of antibacterial and anti-adherent properties of surface-modified stainless steel (SS) orthodontic brackets against Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 120 SS orthodontic McLaughlin, Bennett, Trevisi (MBT) 0.022″ slot by Leone, Italy. Orthodontic brackets that constituted the sample size were divided into 6 groups, consisting of 20 samples each in two control (non-surface coated) and four experimental groups. The experimental group’s surface coatings were photocatalytic zinc oxide (ZnO) and photocatalytic titanium oxide (TiO2), which were carried out by radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method for surface modification. Brackets were subjected to microbiological tests against S. mutans. For anti-adherence, weight change, pre- and postexposure, was evaluated to gauge the adherence of bacteria and colony-forming units/milliliter (CFU/mL) count measuring the survival rate of bacterial cells for antibacterial activity. Results: The TiO2-coated group showed statistically significant anti-adherence ( P-value < .05) against S. mutans than control and ZnO groups. The CFU count of TiO2 group was lower than control as well as ZnO group. Conclusion: TiO2 is superior to ZnO and should be continued to be considered for surface modification of orthodontic brackets against White Spot Lesions (WSLs) and gingivitis.

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The established aesthetic norms can be utilized by the dental fraternity in general and Orthodontist's in particular in diagnosis and treatment planning of Samples belonging to different communities to have the treatment outcome in unison with the established soft tissue norm for that particular community.