Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: A considerable part of an orthodontist’s armamentarium consists of metal. The present study was conducted to assess metal ion release from different bracket arch wire combinations. Materials & Methods: The present invitro study comprised of 80 sets of new arch wire, band material, brackets and ligature wires simulating fixed orthodontic appliance. These sets were divided into four groups of twenty each. Group I was stainless steel rectangular arch wires. Group II was rectangular NiTi arch wires. Group III was rectangular copper NiTi arch wires. Group IV was rectangular elgiloy archwires. These appliances were immersed in 50 ml of artificial saliva solution and stored in polypropylene bottles in the incubator to simulate oral conditions. After 90 days the solution were tested for nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and iron ions using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The mean iron level was 0.32, 0.46, 0.62, 0.54 and 0.05 in group I, II, III and IV respectively. The mean nickel level was 1.3, 1.9. 2.5, 2.2 and 0.87. The mean cobalt level was 0.005, 0.02, 0.013, 0.014 and 0.02. The mean chromium level was 0.0, 0.019, 0.04, 0.03 and 0.01. The mean copper level was 0.01, 0.02, 0.003, 0.005 and 0.01 in group I, II, III and IV respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The measurable amount of metals, released from orthodontic appliances in artificial saliva, was significantly below the average dietary intake and did not reach toxic concentrations.