Effectiveness of Various Disinfectant Protocols on Orthodontic Pliers � An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Disinfection of the instruments used in orthodontic clinic is essential in order to prevent the transmission of disease to the practitioner, auxiliary staff and patients. Present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% Glutaraldehyde solution, quaternary ammonium compound based wipes and foam sprays on the disinfection of orthodontic pliers. Methodology: The efficacy of disinfection methods of orthodontic pliers used in everyday practice by orthodontists was evaluated using 30 sterile pliers. They were contaminated in vitro with bacteria commonly found in the oral cavity, Streptococcus salivarius [ATCC 13419], Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC 25923] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [ATCC27853]. Following contamination of the pliers, each of ten pliers underwent one of the three disinfectant protocols in a solution of 2% Glutaraldehyde, alcohol-free wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds and spraying a foam containing quaternary ammonium compound. The plier heads were spread on the surface of sterile blood agar plates after contamination and after disinfection. Results: 2% Glutaraldehyde solution, quaternary ammonium compound based wipes and foam sprays were found to be effective with regards to disinfection of orthodontic pliers. Conclusion: As per the results of our study, we conclude that 2% Glutaraldehyde solution, quaternary ammonium compound based wipes and foam spray were found to be effective with regards to disinfection of orthodontic pliers contaminated with standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus salivarius .