Abstract
Introduction: Orthodontists usually prescribe fluoridated mouthwash to their patients to mitigate risk of dental caries. These mouthwashes may alter the mechanical properties of archwires by dissolving the protective oxide-layer. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of fluoridated mouthwash on ultimate tensile strength of NiTi wires after three months of intra-oral use.
 Materials & Method: Sixty 0.014” (0.36mm) Nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires (Ormco Corp, Glendora, USA) were divided into three groups: Group A: as-received archwires serving as controls, Group B: intra-oral used wires exposed to placebo mouthwash and Group C: intra-oral used wires exposed to fluoridated mouthwash for a period of 3 months. Each wire was subjected to tensile testing using a table-top tensile testing apparatus. Ultimate tensile strength data was analysed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey testing at the 0.05 level of significance.
 Result: Results showed that amongst tested wires, those exposed to fluoridated mouthwash had least tensile strength (79.45 ± 1.33 N) as compared to wires exposed to placebo mouthwash (99.95 ± 0.91 N) and those in the control group (117.69 ± 0.66 N). The results were statistically significant at p <0.001.
 Conclusion: Ultimate tensile strength was least for wires exposed to fluoridated mouthwashes for a period of 3 months. Non-fluoridated mouthwashes can be used during the initial phase of leveling and aligning with NiTi wires.
Highlights
Orthodontists usually prescribe fluoridated mouthwash to their patients to mitigate risk of dental caries
Sixty 0.014-inch NiTi archwires (Ormco Corp, Glendora, USA) were divided into three equal sub-groups of twenty each: (A) As-received wires which served as baseline (B) Intra-oral used wires exposed to placebo mouthwash, (C) Intra-oral used wires exposed to fluoridated mouthwash (0.05% sodium fluoride) Colgate Plax (Colgate-Palmolive Ltd, Thailand)
Fluoridated mouthwashes are prescribed to reduce the effects of enamel demineralization and white spot formation whereas, non-fluoridated mouthwashes are prescribed as antiplaque agents.[18]
Summary
Orthodontists usually prescribe fluoridated mouthwash to their patients to mitigate risk of dental caries. These mouthwashes may alter the mechanical properties of archwires by dissolving the protective oxide-layer. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of fluoridated mouthwash on ultimate tensile strength of NiTi wires after three months of intra-oral use. Conclusion: Ultimate tensile strength was least for wires exposed to fluoridated mouthwashes for a period of 3 months. Corrosion resistance of these wires is supposedly due to formation of a thin, stable titanium oxide layer during intra oral use.[4,5] NiTi wires enable a clinician to apply, light continuous force, over large activation areas with reduced patient discomfort
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
