Analysis of the corrosion process in the clinical failure of orthodontic miniscrew

Abstract Introduction Orthodontic miniscrew are titanium-based anchoring devices, having a layer of titanium oxide, which plays an important role in corrosion resistance. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the corrosion resistance and surface microstructure of new miniscrew, those who were used and lost early and those who had achieved stability success, analyzing if the corrosion process influences the failure or the loss of stability of it, in order to compare with the main causes of success and clinical unsuccess. Materials and method The sample consisted of 3 groups of 7 miniscrews divided as follows: Group C: miniscrews in their original form, as they are received from the manufacturer (control); Group PE: miniscrews used in patients with early loss of stability in up to 2 months (mean of 33.5 days); Group E: miniscrews used in patients with stability success (mean of 230 days). The visual analysis of the screw surface of the miniscrews was done by scanning electron microscope and all were submitted to a cyclic potentiodynamic polarization in potentiostat. Result The surface microstructure was not significantly altered by the permanence and early loss of stability in its bone sites. Conclusion The data suggests that corrosion was not a factor associated with device failure or loss of stability, being other factors such as the type of miniscrews, its length and the site of implantation considered to be the most preponderant with influence in its failure.