| The objective was to study the effects of topical fluoride prophylactic agents on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) orthodontic archwires. Loading and unloading elastic modulus and yield strength were measured following exposure to neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) gel, acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, deionized distilled water (dH 2O), and compared to a dry control group. SEM was used to characterize the effects of treatment condition on wire topography.;Loading and unloading mechanical properties of FRP archwires were significantly decreased following exposure to both fluoride agents and water. The SEM analysis demonstrated fractures in the wire surface coating as well as fiber fractures after exposure to dH2O, APF, and NaF.;Since water and both fluoride agents produced a significant decrease in mechanical properties, this suggests that FRP archwires are negatively impacted by aqueous exposure. The decreased mechanical properties of the wires would potentially result in prolonged orthodontic treatment. |
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