An in-vitro evaluation of nickel and chromium release from labial and lingual brackets

Objective : To evaluate and compare the levels of nickel and chromium at 1,7 and 30 days after immersion of labial and lingual appliance systems in a simulated oral environment. Materials and methods: The sample comprised 20 labial and lingual orthodontic brackets of upper premolars, 0.017 X 0.025 inch stainless steel arch wires and band material 0.05 inch stainless steel. The components of each group were placed in a separate polypropylene tube containing 50 ml of synthetic or artificial saliva solution. The solutions inside each tube at each experimental period were analyzed by spectrometry to determine Ni and Cr content. Results: The release of nickel and chromium from labial and lingual brackets progressively increased from day 1 to 7 and then decreased at day 30. Conclusion: The amount of Ni and Cr released in the study is negligible and it is far below the levels known to induce cell damage.