Physical/Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Orthodontic Adhesives Containing Calcium Phosphate and Nisin

Abstract

Enamel demineralization around orthodontic adhesive is a common esthetic concern during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to prepare orthodontic adhesives containing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and nisin to enable mineralizing and antibacterial actions. The physicomechanical properties and the inhibition of S. mutans growth of the adhesives with added MCPM (5, 10 wt %) and nisin (5, 10 wt %) were examined. Transbond XT (Trans) was used as the commercial comparison. The adhesive containing a low level of MCPM showed significantly higher monomer conversion (42–62%) than Trans (38%) (p p p S. mutans in all the groups was comparable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, experimental orthodontic adhesives with additives showed comparable conversion but lesser mechanical properties than the commercial material. The materials showed no antibacterial action, but exhibited ion release and calcium phosphate precipitation. These properties may promote remineralization of the demineralized enamel.

Keywords

• orthodontic adhesives
• monocalcium phosphate monohydrate
• nisin
• monomer conversion
• water sorption
• water solubility