Evidence of variable bacterial colonization on coloured elastomeric ligatures during orthodontic treatment: An intermodular comparative study

Abstract

BackgroundBesides, other factors, the choice of materials used as orthodontic ligatures could be one of the many tools to counter the effects of microbial adhesion, that culminates into dental ailments. Therefore, we assessed bacterial adhesion on elastomeric ligatures with special reference to coloured elastomeric rings during orthodontic treatment.Material and MethodsA split mouth study, involving 240 samples of different elastomeric ligatures from forty orthodontic patients possessing good oral hygiene was carried out. The archwire was ligated to the brackets on both arches with elastomeric rings (superslick, clear transparent , blue and pink) at predetermined quadrants. After six weeks, ligatures from second premolars were removed and processed for bacterial enumeration using standard techniques. Bacterial counts were also determined for stimulated saliva samples taken at 0 and 6 weeks.ResultsA statistically significant difference in bacterial counts was obtained amongst different elastomeric modules used. Maximum bacterial counts were found on conventional pigmented elastomeric modules, followed by Superslick module and clear module. More number of bacteria associated with the conventional pink as compared to the conventional blue pigmented modules, however it was not statistically significant. The three bacterial genera Streptococcus Staphylococcus and Aerobic Lactobacilli adhered to elastomeric modules in following predominant pattern i.e. Conventional pink>Conventional Blue>Superslick>Clear.ConclusionsThe studies evidenced colour and material dependent bacterial colonization on orthodontic modules and could be an indicator of bacterial biofilm forming potential based on surface chemistries and a clinically efficacious tool to redesign conventional and modified elastomeric rings as orthodontic ligation accessories. Key words:Bacterial colonization, biofilm, coloured elastomers, orthodontic ligatures.

Comparison of the microbial flora from different orthodontic archwires using a cultivation method and PCR: A prospective study

“…The effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on dental plaque retention and microbial flora have been evaluated in previous studies . Many researchers have found the increased risk of white spot lesions due to increased microbial plaque accumulation .…”

“…Several studies have reported increases in the amounts of cariogenic microorganisms including S mutans and Lactobacillus in the dental plaque and the saliva of patients after the bonding of orthodontic appliances. Similarly, we found a higher prevalence of S mutans than the other bacterial species in all archwires.…”

Artificial-turf surfaces for sport and recreational activities: microbiota analysis and 16S sequencing signature of synthetic vs natural soccer fields

“…Different synthetic materials already were shown to provide a cozy microenvironment to harbour bacteria from anthropic, animal (e.g. Staphylococcus, Streptomyces, Nocardioldes , Hymenobacter ), or other natural sources ( Williamsia, Chryseobacterium, Rhodococcus ) (Mafu et al., 1990; Carniello et al., 2018; Sharma et al., 2018; Masoud, 2017). Therefore, a major factor driving beta-diversity variance in artificial surfaces may likely be due to contamination with human sweat or saliva as well as from the natural microflora in the surrounding area.…”

Application of Nanotechnology in Orthodontic Materials: A State-of-the-Art Review

“…Several studies have tried to highlight the associations based on the chemical characteristics of different elastic ligatures and the requirements of modifications for hampering the microbiological biofilm’s effects on oral health. Some studies have evaluated ligatures that release fluoride, but the results are varied and controversial: some highlight how, in particular, there is long-term ineffectiveness linked to the inability of the ligatures to guarantee a prolonged release over time; they also seem to be ineffective even against the decalcification [ 12 , 23 , 24 ].…”