Adherence of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans to different bracket materials

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Biomaterials science
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment often involves bracket placement, creating surfaces for microbial colonization.
• Different bracket materials may influence the adhesion of oral microorganisms like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the adherence of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans on various orthodontic bracket materials.
• To evaluate microbial adherence sites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

• Adherence of S. mutans and C. albicans was assessed on stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, titanium, and gold brackets.
• Brackets were incubated in a sucrose-rich medium inoculated with microbial suspensions.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize adherence patterns.

Main Results:

• Ceramic brackets showed the highest overall adherence of both S. mutans and C. albicans.
• Metallic brackets had increased S. mutans CFUs, while titanium brackets increased C. albicans CFUs.
• SEM confirmed varying adherence patterns, with ceramic exhibiting the most and stainless steel the least.

Conclusions:

• Esthetic brackets, particularly ceramic, may require greater attention to oral hygiene due to increased microbial adhesion.
• Findings suggest material properties significantly impact biofilm formation on orthodontic appliances.