Heat Treatment’s Vital Role: Elevating Orthodontic Mini-Implants for Superior Performance and Longevity—Pilot Study

Orthodontic mini-implants are devices used for anchorage in various orthodontic treatments. We conducted a pilot study which aimed to observe preliminary trends regarding the impact of heat treatment on the elastic modulus of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. The initial phase involved testing the impact of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. Material and methods: Ten self-drilling mini-implants sourced from two distinct manufacturers (Jeil Medical Corporation® and Leone®) with dimensions of 2.0 mm diameter and 10 mm length were tested. They were separated into two material groups: Ti6Al4V and 316L. Using the CETRUMT-2 microtribometer equipment, indentation testing was conducted employing a diamond-tipped Rockwell penetrator at a constant force of 4.5 N. Results: Slight differences were observed in the elastic modulus of the Ti6Al4V alloy (103.99 GPa) and stainless steel 316L (203.20 GPa) compared to natural bone. The higher elastic moduli of these materials indicate that they are stiffer, which could potentially lead to stress-shielding phenomena and bone resorption. Heat treatment resulted in significant changes in mechanical properties, including elastic modulus reductions of approximately 26.14% for Ti6Al4V and 24.82% for 316L, impacting their performance in orthodontic applications. Conclusion: Understanding the effects of heat treatment on these alloys is crucial for optimizing their biomechanical compatibility and longevity in orthodontic treatment. To fully evaluate the effects of heat treatment on mini-implants and to refine their design and efficacy in clinical practice, further research is needed.