Changes in physical properties of new, non-BPA containing, polymeric orthodontic bracket materials over time: A 2-year clinical study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop new, biocompatible plastic brackets which are esthetic and do not release bisphenol A (BPA).Materials and methodsIn this study, brackets were fabricated using four different materials: polyacetal (POM), polyester (PE) and polycarbonate (PC), and a filled polycarbonate (PCF) as a control. Clinical testing using 46 subjects was conducted to evaluate changes in their physical properties (fracture frequency of bracket wings, strength of bracket wings and bracket wear) over 2 years (at baseline, year 1 and year 2) to assess the suitability of these materials for clinical use.Results(1) PE brackets were the only group that showed fracture in the fracture frequency test. (2) POM showed low wear rates. (3) POM showed great variation in bracket wing strength, but no statistical significant difference was observed between PE and POM.ConclusionThis 2-year clinical study concludes that POM and PE are more promising materials for the fabrication of orthodontic brackets than PCF.