Quantitative analysis of mutans streptococci adhesion to various orthodontic bracket materials in vivo

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the effects of bracket material type on enamel decalcification during orthodontic treatment, this study analyzed the adhesion level of mutans streptococci (MS) to orthodontic bracket materials in vivo. Methods: Three different types of orthodontic bracket materials were used: stainless steel, monocrystalline sapphire, and polycrystalline alumina. A balanced complete block design was used to exclude the effect of positional variation of bracket materials in the oral cavity. Three types of plastic individual trays were made and one subject placed the tray in the mouth for 12 hours. Then, the attached bacteria were isolated and incubated on a mitis salivadus media containing bacitracin for 48 hours. Finally, the number of colony forming units of MS was counted. The experiments were independently performed 5 times with each of the 3 trays, resulting in a total of 15 times. Mixed model ANOVA was used to compare the adhesion amount of MS. Results: There was no difference in colony forming units among the bracket materials irrespective of jaw and tooth position. Conclusions: This study suggested that the result of quantitative analysis of MS adhesion to various orthodontic bracket materials in vivo may differ from that of the condition in vitro. (Korean J Orthod 2009;39(2):105-111)