Effect of brushing and beverages on surface roughness of ceramic brackets

Abstract Introduction When introduced into the oral environment, the ceramic brackets may undergo change their structure caused by the process of chemical and mechanical degradation of the material. Objective This study evaluated the surface roughness of ceramic brackets and whether it is altered by toothbrushing process and diet solutions. Material and method Seven ceramic brackets of four commercial brands were tested: two monocrystalline and two polycrystalline. The brackets were immersed in solutions of coffee, red wine, Coke, black tea and artificial saliva for 21 days. Another group of brackets of each brand were also immersed in the same solutions and for an equal time, but with daily brushing performed by a toothbrushing machine. The surface roughness (Ra) was analyzed by a Roughness Tester (Surftest SJ–400,Mitutoyo®) before and after 24 hours, 7, 14 and 21 days. The data were evaluated by the Analysis of Multivariate Profiles, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple comparison test of means. Result The results of Ra and its change after 21 days were: Ra mean of Allure = 0.277μm (change = 0.002μm), Inspire Ice = 0.262μm (change = 0.013μm), Radiance = 0.177μm change = 0.009μm), Transcend = 0.367μm (change = 0.019μm). Conclusion the surface roughness of the ceramic brackets increased after 21 days of immersion in the solutions, and the immersion time was a significant factor. However, this change in the surface roughness was similar for the monocrystalline and polycrystalline brackets, as well as for the different solutions. Brushing did not change the surface roughness of ceramic brackets.