Effect of chlorhexidine mouth wash and fluoridated mouth wash on mechanical properties of orthodontic arch wires (An in vitro study)

Abstract

Aims: The aims of the this study were to measure the effect of chlorhexidine and fluoridated mouth wash on mechanical properties of stainless steel and nickel titanium wires and to study the effect of three time intervals (3, 7, and 10 days) immersion on these mechanical properties. Materials and Methods: Two types of orthodontic wires were taken which included stainless steel and super elastic nickel titanium wires (Dentaurum, Germany). The 0.016×0.016 inch wires were selected. Each type of wires divided into seven groups; control group and six experimental groups in which the wires immersed in the chlorhexidine and fluoridated mouth wash for 3, 7, and 10 days and then the mechanical properties of wires (yield stress, ultimate tensile stress, modulus of elasticity) measured by using the universal tensile testing machine. Results: The results of the present study showed that a significant difference in the mechanical properties of both stainless steel and nickel titanium wires between the control group and experimental groups immersed in the fluoridated mouth wash and this decreased in the mechanical properties as immersion time increased. Also the results of the present study showed that a non significant difference in the mechanical properties of both stainless steel and nickel titanium wires between the control group and experimental groups immersed in the chlorhexidine mouth wash. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that the fluoridated mouth wash decreased the mechanical properties of stainless steel and nickel titanium wires and this degradation in mechanical properties could contributed to prolong orthodontic treatment. While the chlorhexidine has no effect on mechanical properties of stainless steel and nickel titanium wires.

Keywords

• orthodontic wires
• chlorhexidine
• fluoride.