Effect of silver nanoparticles on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of an orthodontic adhesive

ABSTRACT Orthodontic treatment with fixed brackets plays a major role on the formation of white spot lesions. Objective This study aimed to incorporate silver nanoparticle solutions (AgNP) in an orthodontic adhesive and evaluate its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. Material and Methods Silver nanoparticle solutions were added to a commercial adhesive in different concentrations (w/w): 0%, 0.11%, 0.18%, and 0.33%. Shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed after bonding metal brackets to enamel. Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze in situ the degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesive layer. The surface free energy (SFE) was evaluated after the measurement of contact angles. Growth inhibition of Streptococcus mutans in liquid and solid media was determined by colony-forming unit count and inhibition halo, respectively. One-way ANOVA was performed for SBS, DC, SFE, and growth inhibition. Results The incorporation of AgNP solution decreased the SBS (p<0.001) and DC in situ (p<0.001) values. SFE decreased after addition of 0.18% and 0.33% AgNP. Growth inhibition of S. mutans in liquid media was obtained after silver addition (p<0.05). Conclusions The addition of AgNP solutions to Transbond&#8482; XT adhesive primer inhibited S. mutans growth. SBS, DC, and SFE values decreased after incorporation up to 0.33% AgNP solution without compromising the chemical and physical properties of the adhesive

Polarized Light Microscopic Analysis of Bone Formation After Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2

Potassium diclofenac is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and COX isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor. Quantitative analysis of birefringence with polarized light microscopy is a useful method to investigate the macromolecular orientation and organization of collagen fibers in connective tissues. The aim of this research was to analyze the collagen structure and maturation in bone formed after potassium diclofenac administration, during first molar orthodontic movement. Sixty Wistar rats were divided in two equal groups (N = 30): control (C) and potassium diclofenac (PD). The animals in Group C received 0.9% saline solution and the PD group received potassium diclofenac Cataflam (R) (5 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed 3, 7, or 14 days after a NiTi unilateral closed-coil spring was stretched between the upper right first molar and the incisors. The first molar area was fixed, decalcified, and histologically processed using picrosirius pigment. The collagen birefringence of bone turnover was analyzed by phase retardation. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test showed that optical retardation was influenced by time and treatment. There was increase in the collagen organization over time. On the third day, the C group showed better collagen organization than the PD group. Potassium diclofenac interfered in collagen maturation, reducing fibril organization in the initial phase of orthodontic movement. Anat Rec, 293:195-199, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.293219519

In vitro evaluation of an alternative method to bond molar tubes

Despite the advances in bonding materials, many clinicians today still prefer to place bands on molar teeth. Molar bonding procedures need improvement to be widely accepted clinically. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength when an additional adhesive layer was applied on the occlusal tooth/tube interface to provide reinforcement to molar tubes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty third molars were selected and allocated to the 3 groups: group 1 received a conventional direct bond followed by the application of an additional layer of adhesive on the occlusal tooth/tube interface, group 2 received a conventional direct bond, and group 3 received a conventional direct bond and an additional cure time of 10 s. The specimens were debonded in a universal testing machine. The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (&#945;=0.05). RESULTS: Group 1 had a significantly higher (p<0.05) shear bond strength compared to groups 2 and 3. No difference was detected between groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present in vitro findings indicate that the application of an additional layer of adhesive on the tooth/tube interface increased the shear bond strength of the bonded molar tubes