Comparison of metal release from fixed orthodontic appliances in oral mucosa cells in patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances- An in vivo study

Introduction: A large variety of metallic alloys are routinely used in dentistry. Orthodontic appliances are made of stainless steel containing Nickel and Chromium. Nickel is added to maintain the steels face - centered cubic structure, and is created when heated at 9120oC or higher. Nickel also increases the strength, ductility, and resistance to general, crevice and erosion corrosion. This study aims to compare the release of Nickel and Cobalt in the oral mucosa cells of patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliance. Materials and Method: A total of 60 subjects were selected. Test group comprised of 30 Orthodontic patients who had fixed orthodontic appliances in both arches. Control group included 30 subjects without any type of fixed orthodontic appliances or metal restorations in the mouth. The oral mucosal cell sample was collected and the metal content was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery. Results: The Nickel content in mucosa samples of test group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The content of Cobalt in the buccal mucosa cells of the test group was significantly higher in the test groups compared to the control group. There was no significant increase in the content of the Chromium in the buccal mucosa cells of the test group. Conclusion: To conclude, it was seen that there is significant increase in the concentration of nickel and cobalt in the buccal mucosa in both the groups, but there was no significant change in the chromium concentration between the groups.