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.

O objetivo desse artigo é descrever a análise cefalométrica que vem sendo aplicada nos cursos de mestrado, doutorado e especialização da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara - UNESP. A mesma foi desenvolvida utilizando medidas cefalométricas já existentes e descritas na literatura as quais foram agrupadas em campos a fim de permitir que o profissional faça a interpretação adequada de cada área e tenha, no final da mesma, todas as informações necessárias para um correto diagnóstico e plano de tratamento. Da mesma forma, após o tratamento, a comparação das diferentes medidas e áreas de análise permitirão a interpretação de quais foram os efeitos provocados pelo tratamento aplicado.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the cephalometric analysis that have been used in Master, PhD and Certificate Programs at Araraquara Dental School - UNESP. This analysis was developed by cephalometric measurements existent and described in literature, organized by fields to allow the professional to do a correct interpretation of each area and to have all necessary information to the correct diagnose and treatment plane in the end of the analysis. In the same way the comparison among the different measurements and areas, before and after treatment, will allow the interpretation of the treatment results.