Biodegradation of orthodontic composites by Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro qualitative and quantitative assessment

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degradation products of orthodontic composites (Grengloo, Blugloo, Transbond XT, and Transbond LR) by Streptococcus mutans and then to quantify the levels of released bisphenol A (BPA) using gas-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Materials and Methods: Orthodontic light-cured composite discs were incubated at 37°C in brain heart infusion (BHI) (control group) and in a culture of S. mutans with BHI (test group). Incubation solutions were collected every 48 h in each group and replaced with fresh solutions. These incubation solutions were accumulated and grouped. The assessment of degradation products from composites was done at 1 and 30 days. Detected BPA was then quantified. The limit of quantification was 0.01 μg/mL. Results: Degradation products were present at day 30. For the test group, BPA was detected in Blugloo at day 1 (0.38 μg/mL) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was detected in Grengloo and Transbond LR at day 1. Conclusion: S. mutans can hydrolyze long-term orthodontic composites. Monomers such as BPA and TEGDMA may be present in degradation products. It is possible to separate and identify leaching compounds by GC–MS technique.