The impact of a candy on the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires composed of specific alloys when submerged in artificial saliva

• I.V. Suganya, A. Nilavan and S. Rajendran

Corrosion Research Centre, St Antony’s College of Arts and Sciences for Women, Dindigul, (Affiliated to Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal) Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: This research article investigates the impact of a confectionery item, specifically Candyman Mango (masala jelly), on the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires made from Gold 21 K, Ni-Cr, Ni-Ti, SS 18/8, and SS 316L when submerged in artificial saliva. An electrochemical assessment, known as a polarization study, has been employed to evaluate the corrosion resistance. An improvement in the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wires in artificial saliva results in a rise in linear polarization resistance, while the corrosion current value decreases. On the other hand, a decline in the corrosion resistance of orthodontic wire when subjected to artificial saliva leads to a reduction in linear polarization resistance and an elevation in the corrosion current value. This study offers several significant conclusions that will benefit society, particularly Dentists, Children, and Parents. Individuals using orthodontic wires composed of SS 18/8 and SS 316L alloys can enjoy candy without worry. Conversely, those with orthodontic wires made from Ni-Cr alloy, Gold 21 K, and Ni-Ti alloys are recommended to refrain from consuming candy. The orthodontic wire made from SS 316L is considered to be more effective than other alloys in relation to candy consumption. When orthodontic wires fabricated from SS 18/8 and SS 316L alloys are placed in artificial saliva containing candy, an increase in linear polarization resistance and a decrease in corrosion current are observed. Conversely, when orthodontic wires made from Ni-Cr alloy, 21 K gold, and Ni-Ti alloys are immersed in artificial saliva with candy, a decrease in linear polarization resistance and an increase in corrosion current are noted. The Ni-Ti alloy is acknowledged as the optimal selection for orthodontic wire applications in artificial saliva. Furthermore, surface morphologies have been examined utilizing techniques like AFM and contact angle measurements.

Keywords: corrosion resistance, Gold 21 K, Ni-Cr, Ni-Ti, SS 18/8, and SS 316L alloys, artificial saliva, candies, electrochemical study, surface morphology

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2026, 15, no. 4, 253-266
doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2026-15-4-10

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