Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 1s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Kumar Adarsh.
kumaradarsh@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The aim of the study was to evaluate Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25157 strain) biofilm retention on the orthodontic metallic and ceramic brackets with 2 different ligation techniques using colonycounting method.  Methods and Materials: The extracted premolars for orthodontic purpose were taken and were stored in normal saline solution. The 80 extracted premolars were divided into 4 groups: Group MM– Conventional PEA metal brackets with .022 in slot with elastomeric module (n=20), Group ML– Conventional PEA metal brackets with .022 in slot with steel wire ligatures (n=20), Group CM– Conventional PEA ceramic brackets with .022 in slot with elastomeric module (n=20), Group CL– Conventional PEA ceramic brackets with .022 in slot with steel wire ligatures (n=20). The tooth samples were acid etched and brackets were bonded with light cured adhesive. The tooth samples were then immersed in Glucose Broth containing S.mutans and incubated aerobically for 72 hours at 37°C to allow bacterial accumulation. The bacteria were then counted using the digital colony counter.  Results: The digital colony counter showed significant statistical difference (p< 0.05) in bacterial adhesion between the four groups. Brackets ligated with elastomeric modules had more bacterial adhesion when compared to steel wire ligature group. Conclusion - Fixed orthodontic appliances significantly increase the retention of biofilm regardless the type of bracket system chosen. The result of the present study indicates that metallic brackets with steel ligature had least amount of biofilm retention when compared to elastomeric module and ceramic brackets.

Keywords: Ligation techniques, Bacterial adhesion, esthetic brackets, S. Mutans.