Aim The aim of this study was to see the effect of topical fluoride on surface texture on nickel-titanium and copper-nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires. Materials and methods Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37°C. after immersion optical microscope was used to see the fluoride effect on the wire topography. Results The acidulated fluoride agents appeared to cause greater corrosive effects as compared to the neutral fluoride agents. Conclusion The result suggest that using topical fluoride agents leads to corrosion of surface topography indirectly affecting the mechanical properties of the wire that will lead to prolonged orthodontic treatment. Clinical significance The use of topical fluoride agents has to be limited in patients with prolonged orthodontic treatment as it causes the corrosion of the NiTi and CuNiTi wires. How to cite this article Mane PN, Pawar R, Ganiger C, Phaphe S. Effect of Fluoride Prophylactic Agents on the Surface Topography of NiTi and CuNiTi wires. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):285-288.

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Introduction: After debonding, white spot may appear on the area below the bracket, which is the early clinical sign of carious lesion. There is increased caries risk underneath and adjacent to orthodontic bands and brackets, which call for maximum use of caries preventive procedures using various fluoride application methods. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate alterations in the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity and yield strength) in loading and unloading phases for different orthodontic archwires (nickel-titanium [NiTi] and copper-nickel-titanium [CuNiTi]) when exposed routinely to fluoride prophylactic agents for a predetermined period of time. Methods: Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37ºC. After immersion, specimens were tested using a 3-point bend test on a universal testing machine. Results: There is a significant reduction in the unloading yield strength when the NiTi and CuNiTi wires were exposed to APF gel. Conclusion: The result suggests that use of topical fluoride agents affect the mechanical properties of the wires, leading to increase in treatment duration. Fluoride prophylactic agents must be used with caution in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Injudicious use of these agents may cause corrosive effects on the orthodontic wire surfaces, with alteration in their mechanical properties.

BACKGROUND Since the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) a pandemic, it has become a major challenge to public health all around the world. The situation is physically as well as mentally challenging for dental practitioners, teaching faculty, and dental students. We wanted to determine the stress among dental students due to the lockdown. This will aid us in determining the amendments to be made to help students manage the stress in such a critical situation the world is facing. METHODS This is a cross-sectional quantitative study done using a voluntarily filled online questionnaire. The survey was conducted on undergraduate dental students of School of Dental Sciences, Karad. Third and final year students were included in the study as they are more into clinical practice. Out of 163 students, 118 students responded to the questionnaire. RESULTS 93 % of the total respondents reported that the period of lockdown will have an impact on the mental wellbeing of the students. Stress due to loss of academic year, patients missing appointments, dentist’s being at high risk was found to be 97 %, 75 %, 89.8 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS A significant number of dental students had disturbed mental wellbeing during the period of lockdown. Supporting the mental health of all health care workers must be a critical part of the public health response, and special efforts should be directed to vulnerable sectors. KEY WORDS Mental Status, Students, Covid-19, Epidemic

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