Orthodontic instrument sterilization with microwave irradiation

Abstract

Objective:This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of microwave sterilization of orthodontic instruments and molar bands immersed in plain distilled water with and without oral rinse, and to ascertain the minimum time of exposure required to sterilize.Materials and Methods:The orthodontic instruments (hinged and nonhinged), molar bands and mouth mirrorsused in the patient 's mouth were selected for the study. The instruments were divided into two groups – Group I with oral rinse-set A (0.01% chlorhexidine gluconate) and set B (0.025% betadine) and Group II (included sets C and D without oral rinse). The instruments of set A, B and C were microwaved at 2,450 MHz, 800 W for 5 min, whereas, set D was microwaved for 10 min at the same above mentioned specifications. The efficacy of sterilization was assessed by stab inoculation of the instruments onto trypticase soya agar plates. The plates were checked for bacterial growth following incubation at 37 °C for 24 h. For sterility control,Geobacillus stearothermophilus (MTCC 1518) was included.Results:No growth was observed in the plates that were inoculated with the microwaved orthodontic instruments of sets A, B and D, whereas scanty bacterial growth was observed in the plates inoculatedwith the microwaved set C instruments.Conclusion:Effective sterilization was achieved when the orthodontic instruments and molar bands were immersed in distilled water without oral rinse and microwaved for 10 min as also for those that were immersed in distilled water with oral rinse and microwaved for 5 min.

Disposal of the large volume of sputum positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using microwave sterilisation technology as an alternative to traditional autoclaving in a tertiary respiratory care hospital in Delhi, India

“…In the last few decades, the use of microwave radiation has gained much popularity in the medical field [ 9 , 10 ]. This technology is used widely for sterilisation of both laboratory items (media, plastic Petri dishes, towels and contaminated plates) [ 10 , 11 ] and BMW (scalpel, femoral head and dental implant sterilisation) [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…In the last few decades, the use of microwave radiation has gained much popularity in the medical field [ 9 , 10 ]. This technology is used widely for sterilisation of both laboratory items (media, plastic Petri dishes, towels and contaminated plates) [ 10 , 11 ] and BMW (scalpel, femoral head and dental implant sterilisation) [ 12 , 13 ]. Although studies have shown microwave effectiveness in killing common non-mycobacterial organisms [ 11 , 14 ], there is a lack of conclusive evidence about its ability to sterilise Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, particularly when present in a large volumes of semi-solid clinical samples like sputum.…”

Applications of Microwave Energy in Medicine

“…2.45 GHz microwaves have also proven to be able to sterilise glass and plastics in as little as 180 s; this too requires the presence of water within the microwave to act as a heat sink and interact with the electromagnetic waves. This method of sterilisation can be used on both laboratory and medical equipment in place of an autoclave [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Sterilization Protocol in Orthodontic Practice: A Review

“…Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 3.12 (2019): 32-39.areas that are difficult to clean and sterilize. They also have cutting edges, sharp angles, and pointed ends that are easily damaged[15].Also sterilization protocols employed for orthodontic pliers have been reported to affect the physical and mechanical properties and possess high risk of corrosion Autoclaving negatively affects orthodontic instruments causing blunting and corrosion of their sharp cutting edges. One of its major disadvantages is that it is time consuming.…”

“…Chrome plated pliers appear more resistant to damage as compared to stainless steel[19]. Other methods such as microwave irradiation for 10 sec, glass bead sterilization for 30 seconds are recommended[20][21].Prion protection [22]. Prions are extremely stable group of infectious agents that are resistance to conventional sterilization protocol.…”