Innovative device for in-vivo quantitative assessment of different wire materials using 3D models

Abstract

Orthodontic archwire materials are changing rapidly in our time. Because an ideal archwire material has not yet been found, assessment of the most effectual properties of different archwires including working range and its effect on root resorption is still an unmet clinical need. Unfortunately, most clinical studies lack standardization of subjects and force. Performing a standardized in-vivo quantitative assessment for the working range of different orthodontic archwires and its effect on root resorption was not previously attempted. This is the first study to quantitatively compare and assess these properties in a standardized split mouth design. In this work, a sample of 10 Wister rats in which one of the two upper incisors was randomly selected to receive a force of 25gram-force using CuNiTi wire while the control side received the same amount of force with NiTi. CBCT was done before and after force application to compare the working range and root resorption. The results showed a significant difference in the working range between groups favoring a larger amount of displacement in the CuNiTi(p < 0.05). Consequently, this novel approach can open new avenues for experimenting with orthodontic wire materials based on standardized measurements of not only mechanical but also biological effects. By this, we can resolve many contradicting results that currently exist in the orthodontic community which are caused by lack of standardization in clinical studies. Accordingly, we were able to obtain a reliable and accurate measurement of the working range of both clinically valuable materials.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• Digital imaging
• Orthodontic materials
• Orthodontic tooth movement
• Root resorption