The Effect of Repeated Sterilization on the Properties of Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices

Context: 

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have been introduced to orthodontic treatment for enhancing anchorage control. It is claimed that they are not disposable and can be used several times after sterilization process. However, the question is whether this repeated sterilization has any effect on the properties of these devices. This study was done to review the available articles that had addressed various aspects of this issue.

Evidence Acquisition: 

The authors searched several electronic data bases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase with several key words related to orthodontic temporary anchorage devices and sterilization. The relevant articles were reviewed and categorized in the following subjects: mechanical properties, primary stability and clinical success, and histologic and microscopic characteristics.

 Sterilizing the temporary anchorage devices seems not to affect the mechanical properties of these devices.

 In terms of primary stability, and clinical success, very few studies are available. Histologic and microscopic evaluations showed some alteration in the surface characteristics of TADs including some mineral precipitation.