Elastomeric Ligatures Research Articles

Clinical efficiency of new generation elastomeric ligatures over conventional: An in-vivo study

Friction being an imperative element in clinical orthodontics affects all stages of treatment and high frictional forces can affect the treatment duration and outcome in a deleterious manner. This study was done to appraise frictional resistance of non-conventional elastomeric modules in comparison with conventional elastomeric modules, during the retraction of teeth. The study sample size includes 30 patients (11 males and 19 females) undergoing orthodontic treatment. They were grouped into 3, namely, Group A- Slide nonconventional elastomeric ligatures Group B- super slick nonconventional elastomeric ligatures, and Group C- the conventional ligature. The study models were obtained to assess canine retraction rate, anchor loss, canine rotation, and molar rotations at different time intervals and subjected to statistical analysis. : The canine retraction rate(maxilla) for Group A, B and C was 1.674+/-0.092, 1.187+/-0.156, and 1.147+/-0.113,(mandible)1.765+0.099, 1.300+0.099 and 1.270+0.111 respectively. Mean anchorage loss(maxilla) group A- 1.054mm, group B- 1.080mm, group C -1.715mm (mandible) 1.024mm, 0.952mm and 1.664mm respectively. Canine rotation(maxilla) of Group A, B and C is 8.550+/-1.506, 5.300+/-1.386, 6.100+/-1.315and(mandible) 8.930/-+1.474, 5.830+/-1.096, 6.880+/-1.813 respectively. Mean molar rotation (maxilla) 2.580+0.735, 2.210+0.549 and 2.210+0.700 (mandible)2.900+0.541, 2.650+0.639 and 2.780+0.604 in group A, B and C respectively. Mean anchor loss was lesser in non-conventional modules, canine retraction rate was higher with Slide ligature, canine rotations were least in superslick more in Slide ligature, and rotation of molar was apparent for all the groups.

New Generation of Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligature to Prevent Enamel Demineralization In Vivo.

This study aimed to synthesize a novel elastomeric ligature with dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) grafted, providing a new strategy for improving the issue of enamel demineralization during fixed orthodontics. DMAHDM was incorporated into elastomeric ligatures at different mass fractions using ultraviolet photochemical grafting. The antibacterial properties were evaluated and the optimal DMAHDM amount was determined based on cytotoxicity assays. Moreover, tests were conducted to evaluate the in vivo changes in the mechanical properties of the elastomeric ligatures. To assess the actual in vivo effectiveness in preventing enamel demineralization, a rat demineralization model was established, with analyses focusing on changes in surface microstructure, elemental composition, and nanomechanical properties. Elastomeric ligatures with 2% DMAHDM showed excellent biocompatibility and the best antibacterial properties, reducing lactic acid production by 65.3% and biofilm bacteria by 50.0% within 24 h, without significant mechanical property differences from the control group (p > 0.05). Most importantly, they effectively prevented enamel demineralization in vivo, enhancing elastic modulus by 73.2% and hardness by 204.8%. Elastomeric ligatures incorporating DMAHDM have shown great potential for application in preventing enamel demineralization, providing a new strategy to solve this issue during fixed orthodontics.

Novel antibacterial orthodontic elastomeric ligature with oral biofilm-regulatory ability to prevent enamel demineralization

ObjectivesTo synthesize a novel antibacterial orthodontic elastomeric ligature incorporating dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) for the first time to prevent enamel demineralization during orthodontic therapy. MethodsVarious mass fractions of DMAHDM (ranging from 0 % to 20 %) were grafted onto commercial elastomeric ligatures using an ultraviolet photochemical grafting method and were characterized. The optimal DMAHDM concentration was determined based on biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and the antibacterial efficacy was evaluated in a whole-plaque biofilm model. TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to assess the microbial regulatory ability of the multispecies biofilms. Furthermore, an in vitro tooth demineralization model was established to explore its preventive effects on enamel demineralization. Statistical analysis involved a one-way analysis of variance and LSD post hoc tests at a significance level of 0.05. ResultsThe elastomeric ligature containing 2 % mass fraction of DMAHDM exhibited excellent mechanical properties, favorable biocompatibility, and the most effective antibacterial ability against microorganisms, which decreased by almost two logarithms (P < 0.05). It significantly reduced the proportion of Streptococcus mutans in the multispecies plaque biofilm by 25 % at 72 h, leading to an enhanced biofilm microenvironment. Moreover, the novel elastomeric ligature demonstrated an obvious preventive effect on enamel demineralization, with an elastic modulus 30 % higher and hardness 62 % higher than those of the control group within 3 months (P < 0.05). SignificanceThe integration of DMAHDM with an elastomeric ligature holds significant promise for regulating biofilms and preventing enamel demineralization in orthodontic applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Sustained Nitric Oxide-Releasing Orthodontic Elastomeric Chain for Antimicrobial Action.

The acidic byproducts of bacteria in plaque around orthodontic brackets contribute to white spot lesion (WSL) formation. Nitric oxide (NO) has antibacterial properties, hindering biofilm formation and inhibiting the growth of oral microbes. Materials that mimic NO release could prevent oral bacteria-related pathologies. This study aims to integrate S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a promising NO donor, into orthodontic elastomeric ligatures, apply an additional polymer coating, and evaluate the NO-release kinetics and antimicrobial activity against Streptococus mutans. SNAP was added to clear elastomeric chains (8 loops, 23 mm long) at three concentrations (50, 75, 100 mg/mL, and a control). Chains were then coated, via electrospinning, with additional polymer (Elastollan®) to aid in extending the NO release. NO flux was measured daily for 30 days. Samples with 75 mg/mL SNAP + Elastollan® were tested against S. mutans for inhibition of biofilm formation on and around the chain. SNAP was successfully integrated into ligatures at each concentration. Only the 75 mg/mL SNAP chains maintained their elasticity. After polymer coating, samples exhibited a significant burst of NO on the first day, exceeding the machine's reading capacity, which gradually decreased over 29 days. Ligatures also inhibited S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. Future research will assess their mechanical properties and cytotoxicity. This study presents a novel strategy to address white spot lesion (WSL) formation and bacterial-related pathologies by utilizing nitric oxide-releasing materials. Manufactured chains with antimicrobial properties provide a promising solution for orthodontic challenges, showing significant potential for academic-industrial collaboration and commercial viability.

Assessment of the Effective Tissue Concentrations of Injectable Lidocaine and a Lidocaine-Impregnated Latex Band for Castration in Calves.

This study aimed to assess the effective tissue concentrations of the current standard of care for pain mitigation in calves during castration (injectable lidocaine) and to assess the ability of a lidocaine-loaded elastration band (LLB) to deliver effective concentrations into the scrotal tissue over time. This study comprised two different trials: (1) effective concentrations of injectable lidocaine in the scrotal tissue; and (2) the in vivo delivery of effective concentrations of lidocaine from LLBs placed on the calf scrotums. Sensation in the scrotal tissue was assessed by electrocutaneous stimulation. Injectable lidocaine allowed for short-term anesthesia for up to 60 min, highlighting the importance of finding additional strategies to mitigate long-term pain. An elastomeric ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a suitable alternative, as it yielded tissue levels of lidocaine that approached EC50 and exceeded EC95 at 2 and 72 h following application, respectively, and remained above those levels for at least 28 days after application. Further studies are warranted to compare the use of LLBs to injectable local anesthetics.

Antibacterial coating of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with silver and bismuth nanofilms by magnetron sputtering:Afeasibility study.

Magnetron sputtering was evaluated to equip surfaces of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with silver and bismuth nanofilms. Antibacterial properties were evaluated by the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans. Polyurethane-based elastomeric ligatures were coated with silver and bismuth nanofilms via direct current magnetron sputtering. Surface roughness (Ra ) and surface-free energy (SFE) were assessed. Coated specimens were incubated with S. mutans for 2 h. Adhering bacteria were visualized by Hoechst staining and quantified by an ATP-based luminescence assay. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc testing and Pearson correlation analysis were performed (p < .05) to relate bacterial adhesion to surface roughness and surface-free energy. Elastomeric ligatures were successfully coated with silver and bismuth nanofilms. Ra was significantly reduced by silver coating. Silver and bismuth coatings showed significantly higher SFE than controls. Adhesion of S. mutans was significantly decreased by silver coating. No correlation between bacterial adhesion and SFE was found. Correlation between bacterial adhesion and Ra was positive but not statistically significant. Magnetron sputtering proved to be a feasible method to equip orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with silver and bismuth nanofilms. Silver coatings of elastomeric ligatures may reduce white spots and carious lesions in orthodontic patients. Future research is required to stabilize coatings.

Sustained antibacterial activity of orthodontic elastomeric ligature ties coated with a novel kombucha-derived bacterial nanocellulose: An in-vitro study.

Incipient carious lesions, the most common complication in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, call for the development of novel preventive dental materials that do not rely on patient adherence. The present study aimed to assess the ability of elastomeric ligatures coated with bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) to deliver sustained antibacterial activity, during the standard 28-day interval between orthodontic appointments, without compromising their mechanical properties. Kombucha membrane was used to produce cellulose as a secondary product from the fermentation of tea broth with symbiotic bacteria and yeast culture. Characterization of BNC-coated elastomeric ligatures was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis. The samples were pre-treated by immersion first in isopropyl alcohol, then in 8 mL nanocellulose solution for 7 days. Tensile strain and strength of the BNC-coated and conventional ligatures were evaluated using a tensile testing machine. Direct contact and agar diffusion tests were performed to assess the antibacterial activity of nanocellulose. In addition, the release profile of BNC was evaluated. Data analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc Tukey's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P values less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. There was no statistically significant difference in tensile strain and strength between the BNC-coated and conventional ligatures. The coated ligatures provided sustained antibacterial activity during the required 28 days. The use of BNC-coated elastomeric ligatures in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances might be a promising solution to plaque formation and subsequent enamel decalcification.

DIFFERENCE IN FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE BETWEEN LIGATURE WIRE AND ELASTIC MODULE” (AN IN VITRO STUDY)

Introduction: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare the frictional resistance forces generated by slid low friction elastomeric ligatures and stainless steel ligatures wire during leveling and alignment phase. Methods: The testing metal plates consisted of three stainless steel 0.022-in slot size preadjusted brackets of lateral incisor, canine and first premolar. First comparison were the bracket position vertically adhered to the plates. The second one were the canine bracket was adhered as a high canine in 2 mm. The forces generated by wires (0.014-in superelastic nickel-titanium) with the 2 types of ligatures at different bracket position were recorded. Results and Conclusions: The results of the present study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in the frictional force between group A and group B with a p-value of 0.047 which is less than 0.05 level of significance, while there was no statistically significant difference in the frictional force between group C and group D with a p-value of 0.56 which is greater than 0.05 level of significance.

Nanotechnology in orthodontics: A detailed review

Nanotechnology is a technological revolution that has caught the scientific world's attention in recent decades. This is perhaps one of the most quickly moving fronts in recent times, with widespread applicability in a variety of fields, including health care. This article aims to summarize and describe the most recent and well-known nanotechnology innovations in dentistry, with a particular emphasis on orthodontics and the use of new nanomaterials in the fabrication of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures, orthodontic power chains, and orthodontic Mini screws.

Microbial contamination profile on esthetic elastomeric ligatures through the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique : Arandomized split-mouth study.

The aim of this study is to assess the microbial contamination of three different brands of esthetic elastomeric ligatures. Different brands of esthetic ligatures (Unistick Pearl [American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA], Power Sticks Pearl [Ortho Technology, Tampa, FL, USA], and Ease [Obscure, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA]) were randomly assigned to permanent canines of 25patients (aged 11-18years) undergoing corrective orthodontic treatment. After 30days, the ligatures were removed, processed, and the biofilm composition was analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40bacterial species. The microbiological data were analyzed using anonparametric mixed model. The ligatures presented intense microbial contamination after 30days, but no statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups (p > 0.05). The levels of the evaluated individual species and proportions of the microbial complexes showed no statistically significant differences among the ligature groups (p > 0.05). Esthetic elastomeric ligatures became multicolonized by several bacterial species after 30days of exposure to the oral cavity. However, no relevant differences were observed among the biofilm composition formed on the different ligature brands.

Physico-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of an elastomeric ligature coated with reduced nanographene oxide-nano curcumin subjected to dual-modal photodynamic and photothermal inactivation against Streptococcus mutans biofilms

BackgroundWhite spot lesions (WSLs) are a common side effect of fixed orthodontic treatment. Streptococcus mutans is the primary causative agent of WSLs and dental caries on the teeth during treatment. According to the unique features of reduced graphene oxide-nano curcumin (rGO-nCur), this study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties and antimicrobial potency of rGO-nCur coated orthodontic elastomeric ligatures as a novel coating composite following dual-modal photodynamic inactivation (PDI) and photothermal inactivation (PTI) against S. mutans biofilms. MethodsAfter confirmation of rGO-nCur synthesis and coating elastomeric ligatures with different concentration levels of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 % of rGO-nCur, tensile strength, force decay, extension to tensile strength, and contact angle of the coated elastomeric ligatures were measured using universal testing machine and sessile drop method, respectively. To investigate the mechanism through which irradiated rGO-nCur can inhibit the formation of S. mutans biofilms, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and increase in temperature of rGO-nCur solutions under the 450 and 980 nm laser irradiation, respectively, were measured. The anti-biofilm activity and inhibition of water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production ability of irradiated rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures using a 450 nm diode laser (195 J/cm2), a 980 nm diode laser (195 J/cm2), and a combination of both (78 J/cm2 of irradiation from each one) (i.e., PDI, PTI, and dual-modal PDI/PTI, respectively) were determined. Also, the expression of virulence genes involved in biofilm formation (comDE, gtfD, and smuT) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) following the mentioned treatment. One-way ANOVA test and Tukey post-hoc test at a p-value equal to/or less than 0.05 were used to analyze the obtained data. ResultsThe synthesis of GO nano-sheets in a layered structure with a thickness of 0.76 nm was confirmed by AFM analysis. FESEM showed that the exfoliated sheet of synthesized GO had several micrometers in lateral size. DLS revealed that the mean particle size and density index of synthesized nCur were 57.47 ± 2.14 nm and 10 % respectively. In DLS analysis, rGO-nCur showed more positive surface charge (24 mV) than the nano-sheets of GO. FESEM confirmed the coating of rGO-nCur on elastomeric ligatures. ANOVA revealed that tensile strength of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures were not decreased statistically significantly (P > 0.05). Mean tensile strength and recorded force of 7.5 and 10 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures decreased significantly after 14 days’ immersion in the artificial saliva (P < 0.05). On the 28th day of the study, the mean of the tensile strength of elastomeric ligatures coated with 10 % rGO-nCur (13.03 ± 0.10 N) was recorded as 55.90 % of the initial tensile strength (23.31 ± 0.41 N in uncoated elastomeric ligatures), while the mean tensile strength of elastomeric ligatures coated with 7.5 % rGO-nCur (16.01 ± 0.10 N) was measured as 68.94 % of the initial tensile strength (23.22 ± 0.09 N in uncoated elastomeric ligatures). When comparing the coated elastomeric ligatures at 7.5 % and 10 % to the original uncoated elastomeric ligatures at similar time intervals, statistically significant decreases in extension to tensile strength (0.42 to 0.71 mm or 3.02 to 5.05 %; all P < 0.05) were observed. The largest contact angle was measured in elastomeric ligatures coated by 10 % rGO-nCur followed by 7.5 and 5 % rGO-nCur (128 ± 2.19°, 117 ± 2.23°, and 99 ± 1.83°; respectively). The results revealed a rise of 6.4-fold in intracellular ROS and an 11.2 °C increase in the temperature of rGO-nCur solutions following the 450 nm and 980 nm laser irradiation, respectively. The 5 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligature mediated dual-modal PDI/PTI showed the most inhibition of the biofilm formation of S. mutans by 83.62 % (P = 0.00). Significant reductions in water-insoluble EPS were detected in biofilm cultures of S. mutans on 1.25 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures following irradiation with dual waves of the 450 nm and 980 nm diode lasers (i.e., dual-modal PDI/PTI; 96.17 %; P = 0.00). The expression levels of comDE, gtfD, and smuT virulence genes were significantly downregulated (7.52-, 13.92-, and 8.23-fold, respectively) in the biofilm cultures of S. mutans on 1.25 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures following dual-modal PDI/PTI in comparison with biofilm cultures on non-coated elastomeric ligatures. Conclusion5 % rGO-nCur coated elastomeric ligatures following irradiation with dual waves of the 450 and 980 nm diode lasers (dual-modal PDI/PTI), without adverse effects on the physico-mechanical properties of elastomeric ligatures, can be used to inhibit the formation of S. mutans biofilms on the coated elastomeric ligatures around orthodontic brackets.

Evaluation of the effect of different toothpastes on the frictional resistance of aesthetic archwires: an in vitro study

there has been a trend for using aesthetic orthodontic treatment by many patients recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the brushing effect of three brands of toothpaste on the frictional resistance of two brands of aesthetic archwires (in wet conditions). in this study, two brands of fully coated aesthetic archwires, Teflon-coated and Epoxy-coated archwires, were utilized in the study. Forty segments from the straight ends of each archwire were cut (total of 80 wires), inserted into ceramic brackets and ligated with the conventional figure "O" elastomeric ligatures (bonded on CNC blocks). Every ten pieces for each type of aesthetic archwire were brushed for one minute daily for thirty days with three types of toothpaste (Ortho. Kin, GUMOrtho and LACALUT White &amp; Repair) and distilled water (except ten pieces for each type of aesthetic archwire were brushed only with distilled water and without toothpaste). These CNC blocks were tested using an Instron Tinius Olsen machine with distilled water. The tests used for statistical analysis were an Independent t-test and an ANOVA test at a 0.05 level of significance. The study showed no significant difference in static and kinetic frictional resistance between the coated archwire and the kinds of toothpaste. The orthodontists can use either Epoxy or Teflon-coated archwires for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (working stage) who are using either type of toothpaste (Ortho. Kin, GUMOrtho or LACALUT White &amp; Repair) for maintenance of oral hygiene. Keywords: Aesthetic archwires, Friction, Toothpaste

Antibacterial Effect of Experimental Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligature Coated with Zinc Oxide Particles

Objectives . This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial activity of elastomeric ligatures coated with Zinc oxide particles against Streptococcus mutans. Methods. ZnO particles grafted with (3-Aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) were prepared in situ. The ATR-FTIR spectrum was used to analyze the APTMS grafted on ZnO surfaces. Two concentrations of ZnO-APTMS, i.e., 5 and 10 wt%, were coated on orthodontic elastomeric ligatures by the dip coating method. Antibacterial property of the ZnO-APTMS coated elastomeric ligatures against S. mutans ATCC25175 were investigated by the agar diffusion test. The effect of ligature aging on antibacterial property was evaluated by the direct contact test, in which the growth of bacteria was determined by the turbidity after exposed to the samples that had been immersed in distilled water for 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 days. The drop plate test was also performed to determine the inhibitory and the bactericidal effects. Results. The analysis of ATR-FTIR spectrum confirmed that APTMS was successfully grafted on ZnO surfaces. The agar diffusion test could not demonstrate the antimicrobial effects of the ZnO-coated elastomeric ligatures. However, results from the direct contact and the drop plate tests showed the inhibitory effects on bacterial growth compared to the positive controls (p &lt; 0.05). The inhibitory effect of the ZnO-coated elastomeric ligatures was observed even after they had been immersed in distilled water for 28 days. Conclusions. The surface coating elastomeric ligatures with 5 and 10 wt% ZnO-APTMS exhibited antibacterial activity against cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans. The bacterial inhibitory effect was prolonged until 28-day.

Comparative Study of Microbial Adhesion on Different Orthodontic Brackets - An In Vivo Study.

To study the microbial adhesion on different orthodontic brackets (conventional, ceramic, and self-ligating brackets). Three types of bracket systems i.e. self-ligating, conventional, and ceramic brackets were used consisting of 10 patients for each bracket system. Out of 30 patients 20 patients will be treated with conventional and ceramic brackets, in which, in one-half of the mouth steel ligature ties are placed and in the other half elastomeric rings would be placed. We collected swabs from the central incisors and first premolars of the both the right and left sides of both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The samples were collected three times from the above-mentioned teeth once prior to the placement of the brackets, the second and third samples after one and three months respectively. Significant variations were between the pretreatment and after one and three months of bracket placement in all three groups. Significant increase in the microbial adhesion of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in conventional bracket form pretreatment to one and three months after bracket placement is seen. Although the colony formed by anaerobic bacteria is more in number in comparison to the aerobic bacteria. Our study reveals that the most hygienic bracket is a self-ligating bracket that should be used in patients who have poor oral hygiene. We also found that using steel ligature is more suitable as compared to elastomeric ligature in both conventional and ceramic brackets.

A prospective randomized clinical study comparing the alignment efficiency of four different ligation methods

To conduct a prospective randomized study comparing the efficiency of four different ligation systems (ELL,SSL,LL,PSL) over the duration of mandibular crowding alleviation.The study was conducted in Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Noorul Islam College of Dental Sciences, Neyyattinkara, Trivandrum. The present study evaluated the variations in alignment efficiency of four different ligation systems over the duration of mandibular crowding alleviation in patients during mandibular crowding alleviation. Eighty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and equally divided into four groups- Elastomeric ligation (ELL), Stainless steel Ligation (SSL)- active and passive , Leone slide Ligatures (LL).: The mean treatment time for alignment for passive self ligating group (102 days) followed by leone group (128 days), stainless steel (176 days) and elastomeric (224 days) group. Thus the study showed no significant difference in the clinical performance between coventional, self ligating, while PSL performed significantly superior to other groups. From the above equation, during initial phase of orthodontic treatment.self-ligating brackets were more efficient than conventional brackets in anterior alignment, passive space closure, and mandibular incisal inclination.

Effectiveness of a Combined Toothbrushing Technique on Cariogenic Dental Biofilm in Relation to Stainless Steel and Elastomeric Ligatures in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Increased dental biofilm commonly occurs during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a combined toothbrushing method on dental biofilm cariogenicity in patients with stainless steel (SSL) and elastomeric (EL) ligatures. At baseline (T1), 70 participants were randomized (1:1 ratio) to the SSL or EL group. Dental biofilm maturity was evaluated using a three-color-disclosing dye. The participants were instructed to brush their teeth using a combined horizontal-Charters-modified Bass technique. Dental biofilm maturity was reassessed at the 4-week follow-up (T2). We found that at T1, new dental biofilm was the highest, followed by mature and cariogenic dental biofilm in the SSL group (p < 0.05). In the EL group, cariogenic dental biofilm was highly observed, followed by mature and new dental biofilm (p < 0.05). After intervention, cariogenic dental biofilm significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, a marked decrease in cariogenic dental biofilm was observed in the EL group compared with the SSL group (p < 0.05). However, the change in mature dental biofilm in the groups was similar (p > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that the combined toothbrushing method reduced cariogenic dental biofilm in the SSL and EL groups.

White Spot Lesions (WSLs)-Post-Orthodontic Occurrence, Management and Treatment Alternatives: A Narrative Review.

Although treatment with fixed or mobile appliances has become an important part of modern orthodontics, side effects such as white spot lesions (WSLs) have a negative impact on the aesthetic outcome of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this article was to review current evidence on the diagnosis, risk assessment, prevention, management and post-orthodontic treatment of these lesions. Data collection was performed electronically, and the initial search using the keywords "white spot lesions", "orthodontics", "WSL", "enamel" and "demineralization" in different combinations resulted in 1032 articles for the two electronic databases used. Ultimately, a total of 47 manuscripts were considered relevant to the aim of this research and included in this review. The results of the review indicate that WSLs remain a significant problem during orthodontic treatment. According to studies in the literature, the severity of WSLs correlates to the duration of treatment. Using toothpaste with more than 1000 ppm fluoride at home reduces the frequency of WSL separation and regular application of varnishes in the office reduces the frequency of the occurrence of WSLs only in the context of maintaining a strict hygiene regime. The old hypothesis that elastomeric ligatures retain more dental plaque than metal ones has been refuted. There are no differences in the appearance of WSLs between conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets. Clear aligner mobile devices develop fewer WSLs but are more extensive as opposed to conventional fixed devices, while lingual orthodontic appliances have a lower incidence of WSLs, and the most effective device for preventing these lesions is WIN, followed by Incognito.

A Novel Coating of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligatures

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances especially with orthodontic elastomeric ligatures can increase the risk for development of white spot lesions, which are often irreversible. Due to their huge surface area, silver nanoparticles are effective antimicrobials. Green synthesis employs the use of plant extracts such as Clove and Cardamom which possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Aim: This study aims to discover a novel approach to coat orthodontic elastomeric modules or ligatures with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using clove and cardamom as plant extract. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of cardamom and clove was prepared. Biosynthetic silver nanoparticles were synthesised by reacting silver nitrate ions with clove and cardamom extract (as bioreductant). Using a magnetic stirrer and a hot plate, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised directly on orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. Characterization of silver nanocoated elastomeric ligatures was done using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Results: At the end of third day formation of AgNPs were reported by color shifting from orange-red to dark brown. Reducing silver ions to AgNPs, as shown by UV-vis spectroscopy, generated a peak at 462 nm. SEM and EDX confirms the presence of elemental silver on silver nanocoated elastomeric ligatures. Conclusion: An innovative coating technique incorporating magnetic stirrer along with a hot plate allows for the efficient coating of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on orthodontic elastic ligatures. The SEM and EDX results indicate the structural integrity of the Ag nanoparticles on the biosynthetically produced orthodontic elastic ligatures is enhanced.

Quantification of orthodontic loads on teeth in the correction of canine overeruption using different archwire designs

This study quantifies the effects of material, size of the continuous archwires, and level of overeruption on the loads on teeth in the correction of overerupted canines. An orthodontic force test (OFT) was used to measure the 3-dimensional loads delivered by the archwires to the brackets attached to the maxillary right incisors, canine, and premolars. Dentoforms simulating canine overeruptions at the 0.5 mm and 1 mm levels were made from computerized tomography scans. Archwires with 2 types of material (stainless steel [SS] and nickel-titanium [NiTi]) and 2 sizes (0.014-in and 0.016-in) were tested, respectively, on the 0.022 × 0.028-in brackets through elastomeric ligatures. The forces were dominantly intrusive on the canines and extrusive on the first premolars and lateral incisors. The magnitudes of the extrusive forces were about 74% and 52% that of intrusive force on the canines, which range from -0.48 ± 0.01 N to -5.70 ± 0.14 N depending on the wire material, size, and severity of overeruption (P<0.01). The canine intrusive forces created by SS wires were about 3 times higher than that of NiTi wires with the same sizes, 0.016-in archwires were about twice higher than that of 0.014-in with the same materials, and 1 mm overeruption level doubled with respect to 0.5 mm. Significant second-order moment as coupled with the intrusive or extrusive forces. The intrusive and extrusive forces on teeth in the correction of canine overeruption can be quantified by the invitro orthodontic force test, and the effects of the 3 factors significantly affect the loads on the teeth.

AN UPDATE OF SELF LIGATING BRACKETS –A REVIEW ARTICLE

Numerous bracket kinds have developed during the past two decades with various built-in features provided by Andrews, Roth, Burstone, Ricketts, Alexander, Bennet, and McLaughlin. Additionally, alternative bracket materials such stainless steel, chrome cobalt, titanium, ceramic, ceramic with metal holes, and polycarbonate were introduced. Self-ligating brackets have recently been linked to quicker and more effective treatments, which has piqued interest in comparing them to the traditional technique. Additionally, they don't need metal or elastomeric ligatures. There is a wealth of material that supports the conclusion that this characteristic supposedly reduces friction resistance during sliding mechanics. Additionally, employing these accessories has been reported to reduce the need for extractions and maxillary expansion. In order to conrm or disprove current theories, the aim of this study was to nd the most recent research on self-ligating brackets that are now utilized in orthodontic treatments