Abstract
This study aimed to test the hypothesis that Streptococcus mutans contamination levels differ according to the type of the orthodontic ligature. Thirteen patients were selected. Each quadrant was randomly subjected to one of the following ligature-use protocols: I) elastomeric chain, II) steel ligature crossed over the archwire, III) steel ligature crossed under the archwire, and IV) steel ligature in a figure-eight pattern under the archwire. After seven days, the devices were removed and the Streptococcus mutans colony-forming unit count per mg of biofilm weight was determined. Twelve specimens (n=3) were also processed for scanning electron microscopy analysis. ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test were used for comparisons to assess S. mutans differences between groups at a 5% significance level. There was no statistical difference in detectable levels of S. mutans among the groups (p=0.294). Scanning electron microscopy results showed abundant biofilms and microbial contamination in all groups. In conclusion, S. mutans contamination levels are similar in the different orthodontic ligatures.
Highlights
Orthodontic appliances are made from a variety of solid and elastic materials with irregular surfaces and these irregularities increase the retention of food residue, making mechanical hygiene difficult [1,2], increasing microbial contamination [3,4,5,6]
Fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy is an aggravating factor because it uses materials that increase the levels of cariogenic microorganisms within the dental biofilm and on the surface of orthodontic appliances [9,2,13,14]
Biofilm retention around [21] and on the surface of orthodontic accessories can lead to enamel demineralization and caries [21]
Summary
Orthodontic appliances are made from a variety of solid and elastic materials with irregular surfaces and these irregularities increase the retention of food residue, making mechanical hygiene difficult [1,2], increasing microbial contamination [3,4,5,6]. Fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy is an aggravating factor because it uses materials that increase the levels of cariogenic microorganisms within the dental biofilm and on the surface of orthodontic appliances [9,2,13,14]. Such changes may be responsible for the increased susceptibility to the development of carious lesions, with or without cavitation, during orthodontic treatments [10,15]
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