title: Morphology of polycrystalline alumina brackets and its relationship to fracture toughness and strength.
abstract: Inherent defects seen in the morphology of polycrystalline ceramic brackets severely limit their fracture strength. Only by improving the surface characteristics can those mechanical properties which are necessary for sufficient strength and efficient orthodontic tooth movement be more fully realized.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7455.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Kusy
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D004867:Equipment Design; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation
chemical_list: D000535:Aluminum; D000537:Aluminum Oxide