• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.293-304
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to estimate the fracture resistance of commercially available ceramic brackets to torsional force exerted from arch wires and to evaluate the characteristics of bracket fracture. Methods: Lingual root torque was applied to maxillary central incisor brackets with 0.022-inch slots by means of a $022\;{\times}\;028-inch$ stainless steel arch wire. A custom designed apparatus that attached to an Instron was used to test seven types of ceramic brackets (n = 15). The torque value and torque angle at fracture were measured. In order to evaluate the characteristics of failure, fracture sites and the failure patterns of brackets were examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope. Results: Crystal structure and manufacturing process of ceramic brackets had a significant effect on fracture resistance. Monocrystalline alumina (Inspire) brackets showed significantly greater resistance to torsional force than polycrystalline alumina brackets except InVu. There was no significant difference in fracture resistance during arch wire torsional force between ceramic brackets with metal slots and those without metal slots (p > 0.05). All Clarity brackets partially fractured only at the incisal slot base and the others broke at various locations. Conclusion: The fracture resistance of all the ceramic brackets during arch wire torsion appears to be adequate for clinical use.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.37 no.3 s.122
• /
• pp.171-181
• /
• 2007

Objective: The present study was aimed at an analytical formulation of the micro-implant related torque as a function of implant size, i.e. the diameter and length, screw size, and the bony resistance at the implant to bone interface. Methods: The resistance at the implant to cancellous bone interface $(S_{can})$ was assumed to be in the range of 1.0-2.5 MPa. Micro-implant model of Absoanchor (Dentos Inc. Daegu, Korea) was used in the course of the analysis. Results: The results showed that the torque was a strong function of diameter, length, and the screw height. As the diameter increased and as the screw size decreased, the torque index decreased. However the strength index was a different function of the implant and bone factors. The whole Absoanchor implant models were within the safe region when the resistance at the implant/cancellous bone $(=S_{can})$ was 1.0 or less. Conclusion: For bone with $S_{can}$ of 1.5 MPa, the cervical diameter should be greater than 1.5 mm if micro-implant models of 12 mm long are to be placed. For $S_{can}$ of 2.0 MPa, micro-implant models of larger cervical diameter than 1.5 mm were found to be safe only if the endosseous length was less than 8 mm.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.25-35
• /
• 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to optimize the thread pattern of orthodontic microimplants. Methods: In search of an optimal thread for orthodontic microimplants, an objective function stability quotient (SQ) was built and solved which will help increase the stability and torsional strength of microimplants while reducing the bone damage during insertion. Selecting the AbsoAnchor SH1312-7 microimplant (Dentos Inc., Daegu, Korea) as a control, and using the thread height (h) and pitch (p) as design parameters, new thread designs with optimal combination of hand p combination were developed. Design soundness of the new threads were examined through insertion strain analyses using 3D finite element simulation, torque test, and clinical test. Results: Solving the function SQ, four new models with optimized thread designs were developed (h200p6, h225p7, h250p8, and h275p8). Finite element analysis has shown that these new designs may cause less bone damage during insertion. The torsional strength of two models h200p6 and h225p7 were significantly higher than the control. On the other hand, clinical test of models h200p6 and h250p8 had similar success rates when compared to the control. Conclusion: Overall, the new thread designs exhibited better performance than the control which indicated that the optimization methodology may be a useful tool when designing orthodontic microimplant threads.