Antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S. mutans bacteria

Purpose Conventional orthodontic treatment with stainless steel orthodontic wires may be detrimental to oral health, as it con-tributes to demineralized lesions and increases adhesion and bacterial biofilm formation, which contributes to cavity development. An alternative that has been investigated to reduce the side effects of orthodontic treatment is the use of coating materials with antimicrobial nanoparticles. This study aims to evaluate the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S. mutans bacteria. Methods In the sol-gel method, TiO2:Ag thin films were deposited on stainless steel orthodontic wires. Coated archwires were analyzed for their antibacterial and antiadherent properties. The evaluation of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to the orthodontic wires’ surface was conducted according to the type of coating used, biofilm formation assay, and measure-ment of the pH of the bacterial community. Results In the microbiological test, the TiO2:Ag coatings revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans. The TiO2:Ag coating on stainless steel wire increased pH levels in the saliva environment. Conclusions It can be concluded that antimicrobial orthodontic wires coated with silver-TiO2 nanoparticles using the sol-gel thin film are a promising choice for improving orthodontic treatment.