Microbial Contamination of Orthodontic Buccal Tubes from Manufacturers

Abstract

This study aimed to test the sterility of new unused orthodontic buccal tubes received from manufacturers. Four different types of buccal tubes were used straight from the manufactures package without any additional sterilizing step. Of these buccal tubes tested, three genera of bacteria, implicated as opportunistic pathogens, namely Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were recovered from these buccal tubes. Our data showing microbial contamination on buccal tubes highlights the need of sterilization before clinical use. We also suggest that manufacturers should list the sterility state of orthodontic buccal tubes on their packaging or instructions stating the need for sterilization.

In vitro evaluation of microbial contamination of orthodontic brackets as received from the manufacturer using microbiological and molecular tests

“…This microbiota host a complex and dynamic microbial community that is responsible for two major and highly prevalent infectious diseases: caries and periodontal disease. 1 When changes occur in the oral cavity, the microbiota also change, causing a loss of balance and increasing the possibility of disease development. 2 Orthodontic treatment, via the use of fixed or removable appliances, causes specific alterations in the oral cavity, 3 including pH reduction, increased accumulation of dental biofilm, 4 and increased levels of microorganisms in saliva and biofilm.…”

“…Semicritical objects are those that have contact with mucous membranes only, preventing the invasion of subepithelial tissues, and should be sterilized. 8,9 Purmal et al 1 evaluated four different orthodontic buccal tubes used straight from the manufacturer's packaging and found aerobic bacterial contamination. The microorganisms isolated from the samples were Micrococcus luteus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, microorganisms with a contamination potential that can pose risks to patients' health.…”

Implementation of Recent Infection Prevention Procedures Published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Difficulties and Problems in Orthodontic Offices

“…There are indications (but no guidelines) concerning the reconditioning of "clinic-exposed" and "received from manufacturer" orthodontic materials (e.g. orthodontics bands, buttons, ligatures, brackets, archwires etc) (6,37,71,79,80). We believe that single-patient packaged orthodontic materials are the best choice as the EN standards define them as "single-use" and prevent their contamination by hand and environmental exposure.…”

Contaminação microbiológica de fios retratores: um estudo in vitro

“…In the field of orthodontics, Purmal et al [6] assessed four different types of orthodontic buccal tubes received in sealed containers from the manufacturer, and anaerobic…”

“…Some materials have shown deficiencies, and microorganisms have been identified and isolated, for example, in the powder of impression material containers [3], as well as in instruments used in endodontics [4,5] and orthodontics [6,7].…”