Research on a Method for Evaluating the Usage Status of Orthodontic Archwires Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Technology
XU Zi-heng1, 2, YANG Guang1, 2, QU Dong-ming1, 2, WANG Yu-zhuo3*, DING Yu4
1. Key Laboratory of Earth Information Detection Instruments, Ministry of Education (Jilin University), Changchun 130026, China
2. College of Instrument Science and Electrical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
3. Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
4. Nanjing University of Information Engineering, Jiangsu Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Nanjing 210044, China
Abstract：With the increasing prevalence of orthodontic treatment among the general public, orthodontic archwires—as the core medium for transmitting orthopedic forces and guiding tooth movement during orthodontic procedures—are increasingly becoming a focal point for researchers. The complex oral environment, rich in acids, alkalis, enzymes, and salts, subjects orthodontic wires to chemical corrosion, ion leaching, and microbial adhesion during use. Consequently, issues such as allergic reactions, gingival inflammatory complications, and enamel demineralization caries have emerged as significant challenges in orthodontic treatment that cannot be overlooked. This study developed an on-site rapid analysis method for orthodontic wires based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Samples included copper-nickel-titanium, standard nickel-titanium, and heat-activated nickel-titanium wires used in patients' mouths for 1-6 months. Following preliminary delineation of wire observation zones, the method analyzed trends in key elements (Ca, Ni, Ti) across varying ablation cycles. Results indicate that the first five ablation cycles at a single point capture spectral information of the biofilm formed through plaque-wire interaction, reflecting microbial metabolite accumulation on the wire surface. Beyond five cycles, spectra become consistent, primarily characterising the alloy composition of the wire itself. By analyzing variations in Ca spectral line intensities across different archwire regions, the distribution of dental plaque within the orthodontic patient's oral cavity can be reflected. This facilitates monitoring of archwire usage status, patient oral hygiene levels, and dental health conditions. This method provides an intuitive and reliable basis for early caries prevention during orthodontic treatment, enabling clinicians to intervene in the demineralization process before visible white spots appear on the patient's enamel. Secondly, for existing caries lesions, a retrospective analysis of the correlation between wire calcium distribution patterns and patient cleaning habits helps distinguish whether caries development stems from inadequate cleaning or individual susceptibility. This provides orthodontists with an objective technical means to understand the most authentic and reliable oral hygiene outcomes in orthodontic patients, compensating for the limitations of traditional empirical judgments. The plaque-wire surface calcium differential model established in this study holds promise for providing novel solutions to the high incidence of caries, a significant challenge during orthodontic treatment.
徐子恒，杨 光，曲东明，王玉琢，丁 宇. 基于激光诱导击穿光谱技术的口腔正畸弓丝使用状态评估方法研究[J]. 光谱学与光谱分析, 2025, 45(11): 3182-3189.
XU Zi-heng, YANG Guang, QU Dong-ming, WANG Yu-zhuo, DING Yu. Research on a Method for Evaluating the Usage Status of Orthodontic Archwires Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Technology. SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS, 2025, 45(11): 3182-3189.
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