title: Study on fabrication of orthodontic brackets with the photocatalytic function of titanium dioxide.
abstract: We sought to investigate whether the photocatalytic function of rutile-type titanium dioxide is applicable for orthodontic brackets. To this end, TiO(2 )specimens were compressed and sintered. Then, each specimen was analyzed by X-ray diffraction to confirm that no compositional changes had taken place. Next, the surface of each specimen was observed with a colorimeter, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Fundamental material properties after calcination were measured. The photocatalytic function was evaluated using the decolorization method with toluidine blue. The following were observed with the increase of calcinations temperature: growth of crystal particles, decrease in surface roughness and surface brightness, but increase in shrinkage percentage and compressive strength. The aesthetic and mechanical properties of TiO(2 )material were adequate when compared with other bracket materials. In addition, it had a satisfactory photocatalytic function after high-temperature calcination. Based on the favorable results obtained, rutile-type titanium dioxide seemed to be applicable for the fabrication of self-cleaning orthodontic brackets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aichi-Gakuin University. yo_suke0910@yahoo.co.jp
authors.forename: Yosuke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyazawa
authors.forename: Natsu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Kenjiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: Yukiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takei
authors.forename: Tatsushi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: Shigemi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goto
mesh_terms: D019245:Compressive Strength; D003460:Crystallization; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003722:Dental Alloys; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium