Release of nickel ions from stainless steel alloys used in dental braces and their patch test reactivity in nickel-sensitive individuals

Nickel ions leached in sufficient quantities from nickel‐containing alloys may induce nickel sensitization or elicit allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel‐containing stainless steel alloys are generally considered safe for nickel‐sensitive individuals to use. The study summarized in this paper investigated 3 parameters. First, the release of nickel was estimated in artificial saliva and sweat from 4 different stainless steel alloys frequently used in dental braces. Second, in a pilot study, oral mucosa cells harvested from 3 dental patients before and after the attachment of dental braces were analysed for possible nickel content. Third, patch test reactivity of the 4 stainless steel alloys was tested on 31 nickel‐sensitive subjects. All 4 stainless steel alloys released small amounts of nickel ions into artificial saliva (