Molybdenum in Braces: Can It Widen Your Smile?

observational-study PMID: 26250453

Quick Summary: Researchers studied a special type of braces made with a titanium-molybdenum alloy to see if it could effectively widen smiles by correcting misaligned molars. The study found this type of braces worked well, especially for certain types of bite problems.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how well braces made with a titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) worked to fix problems with the width of people's smiles. The braces, called a transpalatal arch (TPA), were able to successfully move molars (back teeth) in two ways:

Symmetrically: For people with general smile width issues, the braces widened the smile by an average of 4.5 mm.

Asymmetrically: For people with a crossbite (where the upper and lower teeth don't line up correctly on one side), the braces fixed the problem completely in all cases.

The study also found that the braces caused very few unwanted side effects, like teeth moving up or down too much.

Study Details

Who was studied: 10 patients with problems related to the width of their upper jaw. Some had general width issues, and some had crossbites.

How long: The braces were used for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Patients received a TPA made of titanium-molybdenum alloy. The braces were adjusted to apply a specific amount of force to the molars to move them.

What This Means For You

If you have a narrow smile or a crossbite, this research suggests that braces made with a titanium-molybdenum alloy could be a good option for you. These braces can effectively widen your smile and correct bite problems with minimal side effects. Talk to your orthodontist to see if this type of braces is right for your specific needs.

Study Limitations

It's important to remember that this study was small, only involving 10 people. This means we need more research to confirm these findings. Also, the study only looked at the short-term effects (12 weeks), so we don't know how well the results last over time.

Key Findings

This study demonstrated that a titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) transpalatal arch (TPA) effectively corrected transverse molar discrepancies in 10 patients. Symmetric activation achieved a mean correction of 4.5 ± 1.0 mm with buccal crown tipping of 10.1° (vs. 9.6° simulated), while asymmetric activation resolved unilateral crossbites in all 4 cases. Vertical side effects were minimal, and 50% of patients achieved full occlusal width correction within 12 weeks.

Study Design

The study was an observational clinical trial involving 10 patients (6 with symmetric and 4 with asymmetric transverse discrepancies). Biomechanical simulations were conducted using an orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS), followed by clinical treatment with TMA/TPA appliances. Outcomes were assessed after 12 weeks of treatment. No control group was included, and sample size was small.

Dosage & Administration

The TPA was fabricated from titanium-molybdenum alloy (specific composition not quantified) and activated to deliver an expansive force of 4 N in both symmetric and asymmetric modes. Symmetric activation involved equal forces on both molars, while asymmetric activation applied force on one side and a force-torque combination on the other. Appliances were fitted with 0.032" × 0.032" Burstone lingual brackets.

Results & Efficacy

Symmetric expansion: Achieved 4.5 ± 1.0 mm mean correction (buccal crown tipping: 10.1°), closely matching OMSS simulations (9.6°).
Asymmetric expansion: Fully resolved unilateral crossbites in all 4 cases.
Clinical success: 5/10 patients achieved complete occlusal width correction; 5/10 showed partial correction.
Side effects: Vertical displacement was negligible in both groups.
No statistical significance metrics (p-values, confidence intervals) were reported.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=10) limits generalizability.
Lack of a control group and randomization reduces causal inference.
Short duration (12 weeks) precludes long-term efficacy/safety assessment.
No quantification of TMA alloy composition or Molybdenum’s specific role.
Statistical significance not evaluated; outcomes based on descriptive analysis only.

Clinical Relevance

The TMA/TPA appliance, activated to 4 N, is a viable biomechanical solution for correcting transverse molar discrepancies. Clinicians may consider its use for symmetric or asymmetric expansion, as it achieved intended tooth movements with minimal vertical side effects. However, the absence of Molybdenum-specific biological or material property analysis limits conclusions about its role in the alloy’s performance. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger, randomized cohorts.

Source: PubMed (2015)