STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF

ORTHODONTIC MATERIALS
AKSHAYA PANDIAN
I Yr M.D.S
Department of Orthodontics and
Dentofacial Orthopaedics

CONTENTS
Structure of orthodontic materials

Properities of orthodontic materials

Dental materials used in orthodontics

DEMOCRITUS 460 BC
ATOMIC STRUCTURE AND ELEMENTS
INTERATOMIC BONDS
PRIMARY BONDS
SECONDARY BONDS
SPACE LATTICE
any arrangement of atoms in space in which
every atom is situated similarly to every other atom.
ORTHODONTIC MATERIALS BASED
ON STRUCTURE


Metallic materials

Ceramic materials

Polymeric materials
METALLIC MATERIALS
Wire Alloys
Orthodontic Bands
Orthodontic Brackets


ATOMIC ARRANGEMENTS OF
METALLIC MATERIALS





CHARACTERISTICS OF METALS
Crystalline structures in the solid state
BCC, FCC, or HCP unit cells
Atoms held together by metallic bonding
Properties: high strength and hardness, high
electrical and thermal conductivity
FCC metals are generally ductile
CERAMIC MATERIALS
Alumina and Zirconia in bracket materials
Powder portion of cements
Silica filler in composite restorative
materials.
ATOMIC ARRANGEMENTS OF
CERAMIC MATERIALS
Structure of Alumina
Structure of
Feldspathic Dental
Porcelain
CHARACTERISTICS OF CERAMICS
Most ceramics have crystal structure, while
glass (SiO
2
) is amorphous
Molecules characterized by ionic or
covalent bonding, or both
Properties: high hardness and stiffness,
electrically insulating, refractory, and
chemically inert
POLYMERIC MATERIALS
Elastomeric impression materials
Polyurethane modules for tooth movement
Adhesive cements for bonding brackets to enamel
Polycarbonate brackets
ATOMIC ARRANGEMENTS OF
POLYMER MATERIALS
CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYMERS
Many repeating mers in molecule held together by
covalent bonding
Polymers usually carbon plus one or more other
elements: H, N, O, and Cl
Amorphous (glassy) structure or mixture of
amorphous and crystalline
Properties: low density, high electrical resistivity, and
low thermal conductivity, strength and stiffness vary
widely
PROPERITIES OF CLINICAL
IMPORTANCE IN ORTHODONTICS
Mechanical properities
Surface properities
Corrosion properities
Thermal properities
Optical properities
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Measures of the resistance of a material to
deformation or fracture under an applied
force.

StressForce per unit area within a structure
subjected to a force or pressure

StrainChange in dimension per unit initial
dimension.





Compressive stressCompressive force per
unit area perpendicular to the direction of
applied force.


Tensile stressRatio of tensile force to the
original cross-sectional area perpendicular
to the direction of applied force.

Shear stressRatio of shear force to the
original cross-sectional area parallel to the
direction of the applied force.




STRESS STRAIN CURVE
Elastic strainAmount of deformation that is
recovered instantaneously when an
externally applied force or pressure is
reduced or eliminated.


Plastic strainIrreversible deformation that
remains when the externally applied force is
reduced or eliminated.

Elastic modulus (also modulus of elasticity
and Youngs modulus)Stiffness of a
material that is calculated as the ratio of
elastic stress to elastic strain.


Proportional limitMagnitude of elastic
stress above which plastic deformation
occurs.

ResilienceThe amount of elastic energy
per unit volume that is sustained on loading
and released upon unloading of a test
specimen.

Yield strengthThe stress at which a test
specimen exhibits a specific amount of
plastic strain.

FLEXIBILITY: The flexibility is defined as the
flexural strain that occurs when the material
is stressed to its proportional limit.


POISSONS RATIO:
Ductility: Ductility represents the ability of a
material to sustain a large permanent
deformation under a tensile load up to the
point of fracture

Malleability: Malleability is the ability of a
material to sustain considerable permanent
deformation without rupture under
compression, as in hammering or rolling into a
sheet

Hardness: is a property used to predict the
wear resistance of a material and its ability to
abrade opposing dental structures.

SURFACE PROPERTIES
The amount of energy required to create a
unit surface area of the material is SURFACE
ENERGY

The amount of force required to extend
the surface of a material by unit length is the
SURFACE TENSION
CONTACT ANGLE
To report the wettability of various liquids to
solid materials.

THERMAL PROPERTIES
Thermal conductivity
Property that describes the thermal energy transport in
watts per second through a specimen 1 cm thick with a cross-sectional area
of 1 cm2 when the temperature differential between the surfaces of the
specimen perpendicular to the heat flow is 1 K (1 C).


Thermal diffusivityMeasure of the speed with which a
temperature change will proceed through an object when
one surface is heated.

Coefficient of thermal expansion (linear coefficient of
expansion)Change in length per unit of the original length
of a material when its temperature is raised by 1 K (1 C).

CORROSION PROPERITIES

Chemical or electrochemical process in
which a solid, usually a metal, is attacked by
an environmental agent, resulting in partial
or complete dissolution.


ORTHODONTIC MATERIALS
WIRE
STAINLESS
STEEL

GOLD ALLOYS

Co-Cr-Ni
(ELGILOY)

BETA- TITANIUM

Ni-TITANIUM

OPTIFLEX

BRACKETS
ELASTOMERIC
LIGATURE AND
CHAINS
ORTHODONTIC
ADHESIVE
COMPOSITE RESIN
CEMENTS
MISCELLANEOUS
STAINLESS
STEEL

TITANIUM

PLASTICS

POLY
CARBONATE
CERAMIC
CONVENTIONAL
LIGATURES

FLOURIDE
RELEASING
ELASTOMERS


CHEMICALLY
CURED

LIGHT CURED

THERMO
CURED


Zn PHOSPHATE

ZnPOLYCARBOXY
LATE

GLASS IONOMER
ALGINATE
IMPRESSION
MATERIAL

MINI IMPLANTS

BRACKETS
Metallic brackets: Metal brackets rely on
mechanical retention for bonding, mesh gauze
is the conventional method of providing
retention.

Stainless steel brackets: have been used
successfully for decades.
- AISI type 316L austenitic stainless steel alloy is
currently used for bracket manufacturing.

Alloy contains
Cr 16-18%
Ni 10-14%
Mo 2-3%
C Max 0.03%
Titanium Brackets :

- The increasing concern of nickel allergy in
some patients had led to the use of passive
metal commercially pure titanium for
brackets


2. Aesthetic brackets
Plastic bracket:

- The first plastic brackets were manufactured
from unfilled polycarbonate and introduced
in early 1970s.

- The reinforced polycarbonate brackets were
introduced in response to enamel damage.

Ceramic brackets;

- Ceramic brackets are made of high purity
aluminum oxide (alumina) and the
brackets are available in both
polycrystalline and single crystal
(sapphire) forms.

- Zirconia brackets are manufactured by
impression molding
ORTHODONTIC WIRES
Wire characteristics of clinical relevance;

1. Spring back - Range of action;
Spring back is related to ratio of yield
strength to the modulus of elasticity of
material. YS/E.


2. Stiffness or load deflection rate;
Low stiffness or low load deflection rate
provide:
Ability to apply lower forces
A more constant force over time as the
appliance experiences deactivation.
Greater ease and accuracy in applying a
given force.

3. Formability;
Formability is the ease with which a material
can be plastically deformed.
High formability provides the ability to bend
wire into desired configurations, such as loops,
coils, and stops without fracturing the wire.

4. Resilience (stored energy) :
Resiliency is defined as amount of strain energy
per unit volume, which can be stored without
permanent set.


Strain energy = [yield stress]
elastic modulus


5. Biocompatibility and environmental stability:
Biocompatibility includes resistance to corrosion
and tissue tolerance to elements in the wire

6. Joinability :
This represents the ease of auxiliary attachment
to orthodontic wires by welding or soldering.

7. Friction:
This friction is proportional to the force of
contact, and nature of the surface at the
bracket / wire interface.

8. Zero stress relaxation:
This is the ability of a wire to deliver a constant
light elastic force when subjected to an
external force or forces of occlusion
WIRES
Gold alloys
Stainless steel
Co-Cr-Ni
B-titanium
Ni-Ti
STAINLESS STEEL

Different classes of steels are based on three
possible lattice arrangements of iron.

1. Pure iron at room temperature has a body
centered cubic (BCC) structure called
ferrite.

2. Stable form of iron, a face centered cubic
structure called austenite is formed at
temperature between 912
0
C and 1394
0
C.
3. If the austenite is cooled rapidly, it will
undergo a spontaneous diffusion less
transformation to a body-centered
tetragonal (BCT) structure called
martensite.


Composition:
When 12% to 30% chromium is added to
steel, the alloy is called stainless steel.
17 20 % Cr.
8 12 % Ni
0.15 % C (max).
CLASSIFICATION : AISI have classified stainless
steel into:


Australian stainless steel
orthodontic wires :

This was produced by A.J. Wilcock Sr.

These wires exhibit zero stress relaxation,
which allows the wire to maintain its force
over a long period of time, yet resist
permanent deformation from elastic load.
Co-Cr-Ni Wires

A cobalt chromium nickel orthodontic wire
alloy (Elgiloy) was developed during the
1950s by the Elgiloy corporation.
This alloy, which was originally used for
watch springs is available in four tempers
(levels of resilience) that are color coded by
the manufacturer:

Blue Soft
Yellow Ductile
Green Semi resilient
Red Resilient
Composition of blue elgiloy :

Co 40%
Cr 20%
Ni 15%
Fe 15.8%
Mo 7%
Mn 2%
C 0.15%
Be 0.04%
BETA TITANIUM WIRES

It is commercially available as TMA (Titanium
molybdenum alloy)
Ti 77.8%
Mo 11.3%
Zr 6.6%
Sn 4.3%
Advantages :

1. Have superior spring back property.
2. Excellent formability.
3. True weldability
4. Biocompatibility absence of Ni.
5. Excellent corrosion resistance
NICKEL TITANIUM
Developed by William F. Buhler, using 55% Ni
and 45% Ti, in the naval ordinance
laboratory.

Properties :
Good spring back and flexibility, which
allows for large elastic deflections.
Changes in crystallographic arrangement
caused by heating produce the shape
memory effect.
Lower bracket / wire friction with nitinol than
with stainless steel wires.
Super-elastic property
TOOTH COLOURED ORTHODONTIC
WIRES

Optiflex : is a nonmetallic orthodontic arch wire
having highly esthetic appearance made of clear
optical fibre. It comprises of three layers :

A silicon dioxide core that provides the force for
moving teeth.
A silicon resin middle layer that protects the core
from moisture and adds strength.
A strain resistant nylon outer layer that prevents
damage to the wire and further increases strength.
ELASTOMERIC LIGATURES AND CHAINS

Elastomeric products are used in orthodontics
as ligatures and as continuous modules
(chains).
Composition and structure:
The elastomeric ligatures and chains are
polyurethanes which are thermosetting
polymers.
(NH) (c = 0) o [structural unit]
Formed by step reaction polymerization.
ORTHODONTIC ADHESIVE RESINS AND
COMPOSITES

Direct bonding and indirect bonding of
orthodontic brackets utilize
- Resin composite adhesive and require that
the enamel be etched.
- Glass ionomer cement can be used without
etching of tooth structure.


Based upon the polymerization
initiation mechanism, orthodontic
adhesives may be classified as:

Chemically activated (auto cured or self
cured) two paste or one paste.
Light cured (photo cured)
Dual cured (chemically activated and
light cured)
Thermo cured

ACRYLIC RESINS

1.Chemically activated resins:
Composition:
Powder prepolymerised sphere of poly methyl
methacrylate and a small amount of benzoyl
peroxide (initiator).

Liquid - unpolymerized methyl methacrylate with
small amount of hydroquinone.
-Hydroquinone acts as inhibitor.
-Glycol dimethacrylate is used as a cross linking agent.
-Tertiary amine such as dimethyl para toludiene acts a
activators.
2.Heat activated acrylic resins :
Thermal energy is required for polymerization
which may be provided by water bath as
microwave oven. Composition of polymer
and monomer are similar but the
polymerization procedure differs.
Comparison with self cured resins:
Heat activated acrylic is stronger than self
activated acrylic.
Degree of polymerization achieved using
chemically activated resins is not as
complete as that using heat activated
systems.
Color stability is superior using heat
activated resins.



3.Light activated denture base resins
This material is described as composite
having a matrix of urethene dimethacrylate,
micro fine silica, and high-molecular-weight
acrylic resin.
Visible light is activator
Camphoroquinone serves as initiator.

IMPRESSION MATERIALS


Potassium alginate 15% Form soluble alginate
Calcium sulfate 16% Reactor
Zinc oxide 4% Filler particles
Potassium titanium
fluoride
3% Accelerator
Diatomaceous
earth
60% Filler particles (control
conics they before
setting and flexibility)
Sodium phosphate 2% Retarder
ALGINATE HYDROCOLLOID
Gelation Reaction :
3CaSo
4
+ 2Na
3
Po
4
+ H
2
O Ca
3
(Po
4
)
2
+ 3Na
2
So
4


CaSo
4
+ k-alginate+ H
2
O Ca-Alginate + K
2
So
4
+ H2O
(sol) (gel)

For an ideal mix:
W: P ratio 15g for 40 ml.
Optimal temperature 20
0
C
Figure of 8 motion
At least 3 mm thickness of material between
tray and tissues.
RUBBER BASE
nonaqueous elastomeric dental impression
materials.
Chemically, there are 4 kinds of dental
elastomers used as impression materials:
Polysulfide
Condensation polymerizing silicone
Addition polymerizing silicone
Polyether
Based on Viscosity:
Light body
Medium or regular body
Heavy body
DENTAL CEMENTS USED IN
ORTHO DONTICS

GIC
Zinc polycarboxylate
Zinc phosphate
Powder Liquid
Calcium fluro alumino
silicate glass
Aqueous solution of
polyacrylic acid, malic,
polycarboxylic acid
copolymers containing
itaconic acid (5% by wt)
Silica 41.9% D (+) isomer of tartaric acid -
Alumina 28.6%
Aluminium fluoride 1.6%
Calcium fluoride 15.7%
Sodium fluoride 9.3%
Aluminium phosphate 3.8%
GLASS IONOMER
Clinical implication :

Prior to application of GIC, enamel surface is
conditioned with 10-40% concentration of
aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid.
The ability of GIC to bond to base metal
alloys is important feature of this material.
Salivary fluoride levels increases on the day
of placement of cement but eliminates after
a period of four weeks.
It is used in orthodontic band and bracket
placement
ZINC POLYCARBOXYLATE

Composition :
Powder :
- Zinc oxide basic ingredient
- Magnesium oxide or tin oxide 10%
- Bismuth salts
- Stannous fluoride 4.5% - increases strength, controls
setting time.
- Pigments for shades
Liquid :
- Homo polymer of acrylic acid or copolymer of
acrylic with unsaturated carboxylic acids such as
itaconic and maleic acid.
- Molecular weight of acids 22,000-50,000.
- Polyacid may be as freeze dried powder.
Clinical implication :

Outstanding feature of this cement is its
ability to bond to enamel and dentin.
Glossy appearances indicates the free
carboxylic groups which bond to tooth for
cement and tooth tissues.
They are capable of bonding with surfaces
of metallic restorations, prosthesis and
appliances.
ZINC PHOSPHATES

Composition :
Powder :
1. Zinc oxide 90% principal ingredient
2. Magnesium oxide 10% aids in sintering
3. Bismuth trioxide smoothens the mix
4. Silica filler

Liquid :
1. Phosphoric acid 45-64% - reacts with zinc oxide.
2. Aluminum phosphate 2.3% buffering action
3. Zinc phosphate 1-9%
4. Water controls rate of reaction
Clinical implication :

Large differences in tensile and compressive
strength reflects the brittle nature of the
cement.
Solubility in water about 0.04% to 3.3% by
weight.
Because of the low initial pH, it may irritate
the pulpal tissue.
Used for placing the orthodontic bands.


CONCLUSION

Thus it is essential that the scientific
basis for the selection and proper use
of materials for clinical practice be
thoroughly understood in order to
bring about effective treatment
outcome.

REFERENCES

Textbooks :
Anusavice K.J. Phillips Science of dental
materials 11th edn
Brantley and Eliades. Orthodontic materials
Graber vanersdawl
Proffitt W. Contemporary orthodontics.



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