Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of insertion and
sterilization on primary stability and to examine the mechanical and surface
characteristics of mini screws.
Materials and methods
140 miniscrews (70 Dual-Top; 70 Ortho-Easy) were divided into 3 groups. Group
1: control group, 10 miniscrews of each brand, evaluated without any primary
procedure. Group 2: 30 miniscrews of each brand, each inserted into the sawbone
once, then sterilized and tested. Group 3: 30 miniscrews of each brand, each
inserted into the sawbone twice, sterilized after each insertion and then tested. The
miniscrews were evaluated for changes in primary stability, mechanical and surface
characteristics with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, torsion tests,
maximum insertion-removal torques and vertical-horizontal pull out strength tests.
Results
The maximum insertion torque values of the unused miniscrews (Group 1) were
found to be significantly higher than those of the reused (Groups 2, 3) mini screws
(p<0.05). Removal torque, vertical-horizontal pull-out strength and torsional
strength value changes were found to be statistically insignificant. In SEM analysis,
wear and atrophy were seen on the threads of used miniscrews especially in the
apical region and the oxide layer was seen to have disappeared from some regions
of the coated miniscrews.
Conclusion
Although wear and atrophy were detected in SEM analysis of used miniscrews,
the overall primary stability and fracture torque resistance tests did not show any
significant changes after the first and second insertion and sterilization procedures.