In vitro release of nickel and chromium from simulated orthodontic appliances.

The purpose of this experiment was to measure the amounts of nickel and chromium released from a simulated orthodontic appliance incubated in 0.05 percent sodium chloride solution. The average release of metals was 40 micrograms nickel and 36 micrograms chromium per day for a full-mouth appliance. This was well below the average dietary intake of nickel and chromium consumed by Americans. However, the clinician should be aware that release of nickel and chromium from orthodontic bands might sensitize patients to nickel and chromium and may cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients with a prior history of hypersensitivity of these metals.