OBJECTIVE: To quantify, for each activation, the effect of preactivations of differing distribution and intensity on the neutral position of T-loops (7-mm height), specifically the horizontal force, moment to force (M/F) ratio, and load to deflection ratio. METHODS: A total 100 loops measuring 0.017 x 0.025 inches in cross-section were divided into two groups (n = 50 each) according to composition, either stainless steel or beta-titanium. The two groups were further divided into five subgroups, 10 loops each, corresponding to the five preactivations tested: preactivations with occlusal distribution (0degrees, 20degrees, and 40degrees), gingival distribution (20degrees), and occlusal-gingival distribution (40degrees). The loops were subjected to a total activation of 6-mm with 0.5-mm iterations. Statistical analysis was performed using comprised ANOVA and Bonferoni multiple comparison tests, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The location and intensity of preactivation influenced the force intensity. For the M/F ratio, the highest value achieved without preactivation was lower than the height of the loop. Without preactivation, the M/F ratio increased with activation, while the opposite effect was observed with preactivation. The increase in the M/F ratio was greater when the preactivation distribution was partially or fully gingival. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the preactivation distribution, displacement of uprights is higher or lower than the activation, which is a factor to consider in clinical practice.
Analysis of Variance ; Stainless Steel*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the durability and retention of 4 types of attachments placed over computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) titanium bars when subjected to different pH conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four commercially available attachments were investigated: Hader Yellow, Hader Red, Ackerman Gold and Ackerman Stainless Steel. These attachments and Ackerman CAD/CAM titanium bars were placed in 2 vessels containing different artificial saliva solutions (pH 7/pH 4) at 37degrees C for one month to simulate corrosion conditions, and they were then subjected to mechanical testing (5400 cycles of insertion and removal). RESULTS: The results revealed that there were significant differences in the average values of insertion/removal force due to the pH (F (1, 24)=9.207, P<.05) and the type of attachment (F (3, 24)=11.742, P<.05). CONCLUSION: More acidic pH values were found to have a negative influence on the retention capacity of the attachments.
Corrosion ; Dental Implants ; Denture, Overlay ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration* ; Saliva* ; Saliva, Artificial ; Stainless Steel ; Titanium

PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated and compared the durability and retention of three types of attachments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three commercially available attachments were investigated: Clix(R), Dalbo-Plus(R) and Locator(R). In total, 72 samples of these attachments were placed in the acrylic resin forms and subjected to mechanical testing (5400 cycles of insertion and removal) over the respective ball or Locator abutments immersed in artificial saliva at pH 7 and 37degrees C. The abutments were placed at angulations of 0degrees, 10degrees and 20degrees. The retention force was recorded at the beginning and after 540, 1080, 2160, 3240, 4320 and 5400 insertion-removal cycles. RESULTS: The results revealed that there were significant differences in the average values of the insertion/removal force due to angulation (F (2.48) = 343619, P<.05) and the type of attachment (F (7.48) = 23.220, P<.05). CONCLUSION: Greater angulation of the abutments was found to influence the retention capacity of the attachments, and the fatigue test simulating 5 years of denture insertion and removal did not produce wear in the metal abutments.
Dental Implants ; Denture, Overlay* ; Dentures ; Fatigue ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Saliva, Artificial