Reconditioning of Debonded Pure Titanium Bracket (Using Micro–etcher)

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the degree of change that may occur in reconditioning the titanium bracket via micro-etcher. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of (10) pure titanium brackets for each ofcontrol and reconditioning brackets. The parameters of the reconditioned bracket (slot width, slotdepth, inter–wing gap, labio–lingual angle and base curvature angle) were measured and comparedwith that of the control bracket. Results: The results showed no significant difference between the controland reconditioned brackets of the slot parameters (width, depth, inter–win gap, labio–lingual angle)and the bracket’s base curvature angle. While, the tensile bond strength of the control bracketsshowed significantly higher mean value as compared with the recycled group. Conclusions: The reconditioningof pure titanium brackets is recommended for reuse in the orthodontic treatment after sterilization.

Keywords

• micro–etcher
• width
• depth
• inter–wing
• labio–lingual
• base.