Effect of Fluoride Agent on the Load Deflection of Rhodium-Coated Arch Wires; An In-Vitro Study Nsaif Yasir Amer1, Mahmood Abeer Basim1 1Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq Online published on 8 March, 2019. Abstract Background Patients are advised for routine use of prophylactic agents like mouthwashes to assist in control and prevention of dental caries or periodontal diseases since orthodontic treatment may have a damaging effect on the teeth structures. Though, chemical agents in mouthwashes may probably cause damage to the metal components of orthodontic appliances. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of acidulated phosphate fluoride agent on the load deflection of Rhodium-coated Nickel Titanium and stainless steel arch wires. Method Eighty cut pieces of 0.016 inches round arch wires were supplied from IOS Company, USA. Forty pieces were taken from each type of arch wires. These 80 cut pieces were arranged into 8 groups with 10 pieces in each group, half of these groups were tested in dry conditions and the other half were tested in wet conditions following immersing in acidulated phosphate fluoride solution at 37°C for sixty minutes. With the use of Instron universal testing machine, the three-point bending test was done. Each cut piece of arch wire loaded on the machine and tested at different deflections (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0mm). With the use of computer-controlled software program (Tinius Horizon software), Load-deflection was recorded for each specimen. Then, the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test. Results A significant decrease was noticed in the loading forces of the conventional Nickel Titanium and stainless steel arch wires following immersion in acidulated phosphate fluoride solution. On the other hand, acidulated phosphate fluoride did not show any effects on the load deflection and mechanical features of Rhodium-coated arch wires. Conclusion Conventional Nickel-Titanium and stainless steel arch wires degenerated in the presence of acidulated phosphate fluoride agent. Therefore, the patient and the dentist should carefully use the fluoride-containing products. However, Rhodium coating protected the arch wire from the effects of acidulated phosphate fluoride agent and fluoride did not have a significant effect on the loading force of these arch wires. Top Keywords Loading force, acidulated phosphate fluoride, Rhodium-coated arch wires, Nickel-Titanium arch wires, stainless steel arch wires. Top |