TITLE:
Microbial Adhesion on Orthodontic Ligating Materials: An in Vitro Assessment
AUTHORS:
Pandurangan Harikrishnan, Thillai Saku Subha, Varadharajan Kavitha, Arumugam Gnanamani
KEYWORDS:
Adhesion; Growth; Orthodontic Ligatures; Growth OD; CFU; Metabolic Activity; XTT
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Microbiology,
Vol.3 No.1,
March
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: Orthodontic fixed appliance therapy is the commonest
mode of treatment for most types of malocclusions (teeth irregularities).
However, these materials are liable for microbial adhesion, which predisposes
the wearer to increased microbial burden. The present study aims to
evaluate, microbial adhesion and growth on commonly used orthodontic ligating
materials (Teflon coated wire, stainless steel wire, elastic rings)
under in vitro condition. Furthermore, the role of saliva on adhesion
and microbial colonization on said materials was also assessed. Experiments were
conducted with three different orthodontic ligating materials each in 6
numbers. Growth OD, metabolic activity and cell viability were the experimental
variables in addition to SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis performed.
Results revealed irespective of the nature of the ligating materials,
microbial adhesion and growth were observed in all the materials and suggested
that the chosen materials promotes microbial adhesion. Nevertheless, stainless
steel ligatures were less prone to adhesion compared to Teflon coated and
elastic ligatures. Presence of saliva accelerates adhesion and growth.