Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles on Orthodontic Brackets: A New Alternative in the Prevention of White Spots

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used for their powerful antibacterial effect and their ability to adhere to surfaces due to their size; they are used in different areas of life, mainly in the area of health as medicine. More recently, in dentistry, the synthesis and characterization of AgNPs attracted significant attention due to their antibacterial properties. In this study, the AgNPs were synthesized using the most effective method on different orthodontic brackets (metallic and esthetic) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their antimicrobial effect was tested against the widely used standard human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-negative) and Escherichia coli (Gram-positive). Our results showed that, via a simple chemical method, AgNPs can be synthesized on the surface of orthodontic brackets with good antimicrobial activity and the possibility of reducing dental decay, periodontal disease and white spots generated during orthodontic treatment.

Polymeric Dental Nanomaterials: Antimicrobial Action

“…Apart from their antimicrobial action, inorganic nanoparticles are able to improve the integrity of the hybrid layer at the resin–dentin interface [ 34 , 35 ], inhibit enamel demineralization [ 36 ] and formation of white spot lesions [ 37 , 38 ] during orthodontic treatment, increase the compressive strength [ 39 , 40 ] and microhardness [ 41 ] of restorations based on glass ionomer cement, and reduce polymerization shrinkage of light-curing dental composites [ 42 ] and the surface roughness of dentures [ 43 , 44 ] and implants [ 45 ] ( Supplementary Materials, Table S4 ).…”

Clinical Use of Nanoparticles in Orthodontics as Possible Aid to Reduce the Incidence of White Spot Lesions

“…The authors concluded that the anatase phase of titanium oxide could be used for bracket coating, because it showed important antibacterial activity and significantly less cytotoxicity than the rutile phase of the oxide. Jasso-Ruiz et al proposed the prevention of white spot lesions by covering the surfaces of orthodontic brackets with Ag nanoparticles, appreciating that the brackets represent an area with a greater accumulation of oral bacteria [47]. In this study the authors used silver nitrate on both ceramic and metal brackets and the silver nanoparticles were synthetized with a chemical method.…”

Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Dentistry: Advances and Technological Innovation

“…Studies have also revealed that AgNP exerts antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans [ 3 , 42 , 49 , 60 , 69 ], Staphylococcus aureus [ 3 , 54 , 58 , 69 , 74 , 93 ], Streptococcus sobrinus , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus casei [ 42 ], Streptococcus sanguinis [ 49 ], Enterococcus faecalis [ 69 , 93 ], and Actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans [ 49 ]. AgNPs also prevent the formation of E. faecalis , S. aureus , Streptococcus gordonii , Streptococcus mitis , and Streptococcus mutans biofilms [ 30 ].…”

“…Despite their thick, protective outer peptidoglycan layer, Gram-positive bacteria are very vulnerable to the antimicrobial action of silver [ 30 ]. Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibit no resistance to the antimicrobial action of silver [ 30 , 54 , 58 , 74 , 93 ].…”

“…AgNP treatment showed a decreased demineralization in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and an antibacterial activity against E. coli , L. casei , S. aureus , S. mutans [ 71 ]. AgNP showed non-stick biological properties in wires [ 31 ], and brackets against S. mutans [ 31 , 54 , 90 ]. It is essential to highlight that only one study tested different sizes of silver nanoparticles, showing better results with smaller particles [ 31 ].…”