In-vitro evaluation of the material characteristics of stainless steel and beta-titanium orthodontic wires.

Introduction: The exact composition and material properties of the metal alloys used in orthodontics are usually not identified by or even available from manufacturers. This makes meaningful comparisons between wires impossible and is unacceptable with regard to biocompatibility issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the material characteristics of contemporary stainless steel (SS) and beta-titanium (beta-Ti) wires, also known as titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA), for comparison.

[Dentomaxillary and -facial problems in cleidocranial dysplasia].

A 14-year old boy with cleidocranial dysplasia was referred because of an almost complete presence of the deciduous dentition. Diagnostics by means of a panoramic radiograph, lateral headfilm, CT scan and 3D computer images of the dentomaxillary complex showed 7 supernumerary permanent teeth: 13', 11', 21', 23', 28', 35' and 45'. A combined orthodontic-surgical treatment was started.

Clinical comparison of an adhesive precoated vs. an uncoated ceramic bracket system.

Objectives: To clinically evaluate the bond characteristics of the adhesive precoated ceramic (APC) Clarity bracket and compare it with the uncoated Clarity bracket used with Transbond XT bonding system. Design - A randomized clinical trial. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Department of Orthodontics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.