Objective: The present study aimed to compare and quantify the surface changes seen in two

most commonly used orthodontic miniscrew implants (MSI) materials; titanium and stainless

steel after their clinical use. Methods: 40 MSIs (20 titanium and 20 stainless steel) were retrieved

from the maxillary arch of 20 subjects (13 females and 7 males) in the age group of 18 – 27 years

(mean age=22.4 ± 3.83 years) after their intended use. 40 (20 titanium and 20 stainless steel) asreceived

MSIs were used as control. All the MSIs were analyzed under a Scanning Electron

Microscope (SEM) for the characterization of their morphological condition (blunting of tip,

surface defects and corrosion). Furthermore, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis was

carried out to study the changes in surface characterization. Results: When imaged using SEM, as-received

Titanium and Stainless Steel MSIs demonstrated a relatively smooth surface with no surface defects. However,

the retrieved titanium and stainless-steel implants showed increased surface defects (both corrosion and

cracks) with the difference being statistically significant. The retrieved Titanium MSIs (115.31±24.38μm)

showed 4 times more blunting compared to the retrieved Stainless-steel MSIs (29.74±8.56 μm), with the latter

showing 2-3 times more surface corrosion. Conclusion: Clinical usage had pronounced effects on both

Titanium and Stainless steel MSI alloys in terms of changes in the surface characteristics. While stainless steel

MSIs are more susceptible to surface corrosion, Titanium MSIs exhibit greater alterations in the form of

tipblunting and cracks in screw threads.