Effect of Hyperglycemic Artificial Saliva on Corrosion of and Metal Ion Resease from Archwires
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of the present in vitro study was to assess the effect of the artificial saliva in hyperglycemic condition on corrosion behavior, surface deterioration, color change and release of metal ions from various orthodontic archwires. Three commercially available orthodontic archwire types were compared: stainless steel (SS), nickel–titanium (NiTi) and beta-titanium (TMA). A total of 180 wire specimens were randomly allocated into four immersion media: conventional artificial saliva (control), artificial saliva containing 10 mmol/L glucose, 20 mmol/L glucose, and 30 mmol/L glucose. Specimens were immersed for 7, 14, and 28 days at 37°C. Surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), surface roughness using atomic force microscopy (AFM), color stability using a spectrophotometer (ΔE), and metal ion release (Ni, Cr, Fe, and Ti) using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05. Hyperglycemic artificial saliva significantly increased corrosion-related surface defects in all orthodontic archwires compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The degree of surface roughness gradually increased as the glucose concentration and immersion time increased. The amount of Ni ion released from NiTi wires was 0.82 ± 0.14 µg/L in the control group and 3.96 ± 0.42 µg/L after 28 days of submersion in the 30 mmol/L glucose saliva (p < 0.001). The chromium and iron release were also seen to be significant in stainless steel wires in hyperglycemic condition, while the beta-Ti wires showed the maximum corrosion resistance with minimal amount of release of titanium ions. Groups with hyperglycemia had significantly higher color alteration (ΔE), especially for the long-term exposure. Performing SEM on the stainless steel and NiTi samples revealed a lot of pits and surface irregularities, and the surface of the TMA samples remained comparatively smooth. Hyperglycemic artificial saliva has significantly effects on the corrosion, number of metallic ions released, surface integrity and colour stability of orthodontic archwires in a concentration dependent manner. Beta-titanium archwires were found to be more corrosion resistant than nickel–titanium and stainless-steel wires. Based on these results, it can be concluded that in cases of diabetes mellitus, which is not well controlled, it is advisable to carefully consider material selection and closely monitor patients during orthodontic treatment to reduce the risk of corrosion-related complications.
Source: Dentistry 3000
Institution: University of Baghdad
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7203710186