Evaluation of Microbiological Colonisation on Various Types of Orthodontic Archwires - an in Vivo Study

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic archwires create an environment that promotes the colonization of oral microorganisms, potentially leading to dental issues like caries and periodontal diseases. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the microbial adherence on different types of orthodontic archwires by comparing the Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans.
Methods: The study involved 120 orthodontic patients, divided into four groups based on the type of archwire used, all with the same cross-sectional size of 0.017 × 0.025 inches. The groups were:

• Group I: Aesthetic Coated Stainless Steel


• Group II: Stainless Steel (SS)


• Group III: Heat Activated Nickel Titanium (HANT)


• Group IV: Nickel Titanium (NiTi)

After a period of one month in the oral cavity, the archwires were retrieved and subjected to quantitative microbiological analysis.

• Results: For mutans, significant differences were observed between aesthetic coated SS and HANT (P=0.002), and NiTi (P=0.001).


• For aureus, a significant difference was noted between NiTi and aesthetic coated SS (P=0.01).


• For albicans, significant differences were found between aesthetic coated SS and HANT (P=0.0001), and NiTi (P=0.01).

Conclusions:All types of archwires showed significant microbial colonization, with Streptococcus mutans demonstrating the highest affinity for NiTi wires, followed by HANT, SS, and aesthetic coated SS. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans exhibited varied colonization patterns. Overall, aesthetic coated SS archwires showed the least microbial colonization.