Abstract Aim : To assess the surface topography and chemical composition of three brands of as-received mini-implants (SIN(r), Morelli(r), and Conexao(r)). Methods: Twelve mini-implants of each brand were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Results: There was no significant differences among SIN(r), Morelli(r), and Conexao(r) mini-implants comparing their surface topography by visualization of SEM micrographs and analysis of scores. The EDX analysis showed statistically significant difference among them for the amount of Ti, Al and V. Miniimplants SIN(r)presented also N and O in their composition. Conclusions: In conclusion, the miniimplants Morelli(r), SIN(r) and Conexao(r) presented Ti as main component of the alloy. Remaining components, such as Al and V, were also observed in all the analyzed brands, with differences among them. Only SIN(r)mini-implants presented N and O. As far as surface topography is concerned, there are no differences among the three brands of mini-implants.

This study aims at comparing conventional and nickel-free metal bracket surface characteristics with elemental composition by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The sample consisted of 40 lower incisor brackets divided into four groups: ABZ = conventional brackets, Kirium Abzil 3M® (n = 10); RL = conventional brackets, Roth Light Morelli® (n = 10); NF = nickel-free brackets, Nickel-Free Morelli® (n = 10); and RM = nickel-free brackets, Roth Max Morelli® (n = 10). Qualitative evaluation of the bracket surface was performed using SEM, whereby surface features were described and compared. The elemental composition was analyzed by EDS. According to surface analysis,groups ABZ and RL showed a homogeneous surface, with better finishing, whereas the surfaces in groups NF and RM were rougher. The chemical components with the highest percentage were Fe, Cr and C. Groups NF and MR showed no nickel in their composition. In conclusion, the bracket surface of the ABZ and RL groups was more homogeneous, with grooves and pores, whereas the surfaces in groups NF and RM showed numerous flaws, cracks, pores and grooves. The chemical composition analysis confirmed that the nickel-free brackets had no Ni in their composition, as confirmed by the manufacturer’s specifications, and were therefore safe to use in patients with a medical history of allergy to this metal.

INTRODUÇÃO: a movimentação dentária é caracterizada, inicialmente, por uma inflamação aguda estéril, seguida por reações múltiplas sequenciais no ligamento periodontal em resposta às forças biomecânicas. Agentes farmacológicos, como os corticosteroides, podem alterar o curso da movimentação ortodôntica. Os estudos científicos demonstram ações antagonistas dessas drogas sobre a reabsorção óssea durante a movimentação dentária. OBJETIVO: realizar revisão de literatura sobre a ação dos corticosteroides no movimento dentário ortodôntico. CONCLUSÃO: os pacientes devem ser questionados quanto ao uso dessas drogas na clínica ortodôntica e, para aqueles que fazem uso, o tratamento ortodôntico deve ser diferenciado, com intervalos maiores entre as consultas e solicitação periódica de radiografias devido ao atraso na neoformação óssea observado em alguns estudos científicos.

INTRODUCTION: Tooth movement is initially characterized by an acute sterile inflammation, followed by sequential multiple reactions in the periodontal ligament in response to biomechanical forces. Pharmacological agents such as corticosteroids may affect the course of orthodontic movement. Scientific studies show antagonistic actions of these drugs on bone resorption during tooth movement. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about the effect of corticosteroids on orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: Patients should be questioned regarding the use of these drugs in the orthodontic practice and for those who use them, the orthodontic treatment should be differentiated, with longer intervals between visits and periodic X-rays due to the delay in bone formation observed in some scientific studies.