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Microbial Corrosion in Orthodontics
Umarevathi Gopalakrishnan1, Sumathi Felicita2, Bsm Ronald3
1Department of Orthodontics, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice
|October 19, 2022
Summary
Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) of metal braces by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is a significant concern in orthodontics. This study highlights the prevalence of SRB in the oral cavity and their role in corroding orthodontic materials, especially within biofilms.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Corrosion science
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Metal braces remain prevalent in orthodontics, particularly for adolescents, despite the rise of clear aligners.
- While advantages like lower cost exist, metal braces are susceptible to corrosion, a widely researched issue.
- Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) by oral microorganisms has not been adequately addressed in orthodontic literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the microbially induced corrosion (MIC) of orthodontic materials.
- To highlight the prevalence of SRB in the oral cavity and their potential implications for orthodontic treatment.
- To explore the contribution of oral biofilms to the corrosion process of metal braces.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on microbial corrosion, oral microbiology, and orthodontic materials.
- Analysis of studies reporting SRB prevalence in healthy individuals, periodontitis patients, and orthodontic patients.
- Examination of research on biofilm formation in the oral cavity and its role in corrosion.
Main Results:
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), particularly genera like *Desulfovibrio* and *Desulfobacter*, are prevalent in the oral cavity, even in healthy individuals.
- SRB are known to cause corrosion of stainless steel and are implicated in periodontal and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Oral biofilms, which are more prevalent in orthodontic patients due to appliances, create favorable conditions for SRB growth and contribute to the corrosion of metallic structures.
Conclusions:
- The presence of SRB in the oral cavity, coupled with increased biofilm formation around orthodontic appliances, significantly elevates the risk of microbially induced corrosion (MIC) of metal braces.
- Further research is crucial to understand and mitigate MIC in orthodontic materials.
- Addressing SRB and biofilm-related corrosion is essential for improving the longevity and efficacy of orthodontic treatments.
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