Titanium orthodontic appliances for allergic patients

Minerva Stomatol. 2014 Nov-Dec;63(11-12):403-10.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the use of orthodontic appliances made in titanium for patients with an allergy to resin and nickel. We aim to highlight the resolution of problems such as stomatitis and peri-labial dermatitis, which generally manifest in patients who use traditional orthodontic appliances in acrylic resin and steel.

Methods: A total of 120 patients of ages between ten and fifteen undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring a rapid palatal expander or a mobile appliance were evaluated and two patch sensitivity tests were done to assess the presence of allergies.

Results: The biocompatibility of a material is directly dependent on its corrosion effect. If a metal does not allow the release of ions it will not have a damaging action or cause destruction on the cellular DNA. The oxidation status of an ion is related to the reactivity of the ion itself and thus may give the latter a carcinogenic effect. Titanium appliances used for this study have obtained excellent results due to their ability to form superficial oxides, which block the oxidation phenomenon and thus corrosion.

Conclusion: We have noticed a total regression of the symptoms after the use of titanium appliances in patients who had a sensitivity reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Composite Resins / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Male
  • Nickel / adverse effects
  • Orthodontic Appliance Design
  • Orthodontic Appliances*
  • Stomatitis / etiology
  • Titanium*

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Nickel
  • Titanium