Evaluation of the surface coating stability and patients’ satisfaction and perception toward different types of nickel titanium aesthetic arch-wires

Abstract

Background: The demand for aesthetics increased in orthodontics due to the increase in number of young patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Nowadays, different types of aesthetic wires are available as an alternative product for the conventional wires to reduce the metal show and improve appearance. However, Aesthetic wires must maintain their intended purpose when they are in the patient’s mouth and should remain stable in the fluctuating oral condition. Their selection must not be limited to their initial appearance; it should be based on the ability of the arch-wire to maintain their coating surface for long duration of time. Aims and objectives: Is to evaluate the aesthetic stability of 4 Niti coated arch-wires and to assess the participants’ perception towards these aesthetic wires. This may help to improve the selection of metallic coated aesthetic wire. Material and Methods: 55 participants were distributed between four groups: American Ortho, GAC Dentsply, Forestadent, and Orthocare. All arch-wires were retrieved after 6 weeks of clinical use. An objective assessment was carried to calculate the coating loss in labial anterior segment. In addition, Subjective assessment including pre and post treatment questionnaire were conducted to evaluate the change in satisfaction and preference regarding coated wires. Results: Coating loss varied between groups, Forestadent brand exhibited highly significant less coating deterioration compared to rest (p<0.00016). The participants perception change post treatment; satisfaction (p<0.001), preference (p=0.90). Conclusion: The oral environment affects the arch-wire aesthetic coating, Forestadent exhibited better results; the recorded loss was only (1.13%) (SD=1.19). The remaining groups showed similar findings. The level of satisfaction decreased after clinical experience in all groups. After treatment, the majority of participants showed no preference between aesthetic and conventional wires.