Abstract
BackgroundThe antimicrobial properties of orthodontic wire and brackets with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) coating have been studied in the past. However, the evaluation period had been short and limited to 30 days. The aim of the present study was to extend the evaluation period (up to 90 days) of assessing the long-term antimicrobial effects of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2).MethodsA total of 40 stainless steel pre-adjusted premolar brackets were equally divided into two groups; namely the control group (n=20, uncoated brackets) and the experimental group (n=20, coated brackets). RF magnetron sputtering was used to apply a thin film of TiO2 on the bracket surface. The crystalline structure of the thin film was assessed using X-ray diffraction. The antimicrobial property of the brackets against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was evaluated using the survival rate by colony-forming units (CFU) at four intervals: 24 hours (T0), 30 days (T1), 60 days (T2), and 90 days (T3). 2-way ANOVA Repeated Measures was used to compare the effects between the groups over the time.ResultsThere was no significant interaction between group and time (p = 0.568). The orthodontic brackets coated with the N-doped TiO2 thin film showed a significant CFU reduction (37.71 ± 5.21, 37.81 ± 5.03, 37.98 ± 5.37, and 37.74 ± 5.21 at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) compared to the uncoated brackets (400.91 ± 14.67, 401.58 ± 14.01, 400.31 ± 14.68, and 402.04 ± 13.98 at T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) through visible light (p < 0.001).ConclusionN-doped TiO2 coated orthodontic brackets showed strong antimicrobial property against S. mutans over a period of 90 days, which is effective in preventing enamel decalcification during orthodontic therapy.
Highlights
The antimicrobial properties of orthodontic wire and brackets with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) coating have been studied in the past
Since S. mutans is the main cause of tooth decay initiation and progression, [20] the present study aimed to evaluate the long-term (90 days) antimicrobial properties of the stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with N-doped TiO2 thin film against S. mutans
By controlling the effect of time, the overall mean colony-forming units (CFU) of the nano-TiO2 coated brackets (37.82 ± 5.15) was significantly lower than the control group (401.21 ± 13.72) (p < 0.001).the mean CFU values at different time intervals were not statistically different when the effect of group was adjusted. (p = 0.696).TiO2 coated brackets showed consistently more antibacterial effect during the entire study period and this property did not decrease over time (Fig. 1)
Summary
The antimicrobial properties of orthodontic wire and brackets with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) coating have been studied in the past. The aim of the present study was to extend the evaluation period (up to 90 days) of assessing the long-term antimicrobial effects of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2). Many researchers have evaluated a variety of techniques to prevent the occurrence of white spot lesions during fixed orthodontic treatment. In this regard, various strategies have been suggested (e.g., educating patients about dental plaque management, use of fluoride mouth rinse and dentifrice, use of probiotics and antibiotics, fluoride-releasing adhesive, and professional cleaning). Note that among the above-mentioned strategies, long-term efficacy of fluoride-containing adhesives requires further investigation [4]
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
