title: Titanium alloy orthodontic mini-implants: scanning electron microscopic and metallographic analyses.
abstract: Anchorage control is one of the determining factors of successful orthodontic mechanics. In mini-implants, fractures due to placement and removal have been related to implant design and titanium alloy quality. This study assessed the topography and microstructure of five brands of mini-implants (Neodent, SIN, Morelli, Conexao, Foresta Dent). Scanning electron microscopic analyses of the head, transmucosal neck, threaded body, and tip were performed to assess implant design and manufacturing defects (n=3/group). Metallographic analysis of longitudinal sections (n=15) and cross-sections (n=15) was performed under conventional light microscopy according to international standards of "American Society for Testing and Materials". The results showed significant differences in miniimplant design. Surface irregularities in the threaded body and tip were observed. Microstructural analyses revealed an alpha/beta-phase grain structure, in compliance with the ETTC-2 ("Technical Committee of European Titanium Producers" -2nd edition). No structural defects were detected. We conclude that differences in mini-implant design and the presence of surface irregularities may influence the effectiveness of orthodontic anchorage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paola F P
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Burmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Histology, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Henrique C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Ruschel
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ivana A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: José C K
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: de Verney
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Kramer
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D015921:Dental Implants; D004583:Electrons; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D015921:Dental Implants; D014025:Titanium