Nickel allergy and orthodontics.
Nickel is the most common metal to cause contact dermatitis in orthodontics. Nickel-containing metal alloys, such as nickel-titanium and stainless steel, are widely used in orthodontic appliances. Nickel-titanium alloys may have nickel content in excess of 50 per cent and can thus potentially release enough nickel in the oral environment to elicit manifestations of an allergic reaction. Stainless steel has a lower nickel content (8 per cent). However, because the nickel is bound in a crystal lattice it is not available to react. Stainless steel orthodontic components are therefore very unlikely to cause nickel hypersensitivity. This article discusses the diagnosis of nickel allergy in orthodontics and describes alternative products that are nickel free or have a very low nickel content, which would be appropriate to use in patients diagnosed with a nickel allergy.
Rahilly
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Orthodontic Department, Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, UK Mayday Hospital, Surrey, UK. gerardrahilly@hotmail.com
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D000075202:Contraindications; D003461:Crystallography; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D003722:Dental Alloys; C040654:titanium nickelide; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium