Changes in Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Teflon-Coated Arch Wires After Clinical Use

Peeling of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)-coated esthetic arch wires results in rough surfaces that may cause plaque accumulation, and the exposed core material may not meet the esthetic expectations of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vivo surface roughness, Streptococcus mutans colonization, and color stability of Teflon-coated arch wires from 3 different manufacturers.

Surface roughness and color data of 0.016-inch and 0.016 × 0.022-inch Teflon-coated arch wires from 3 different manufacturers were recorded as they were received (T0) and after 28 days of clinical exposure (retrieved) (T1) using an atomic force microscope and a spectrophotometer. The amount of S. mutans was assessed in terms of colony-forming units on the as-received and retrieved wires.

The surface roughness increased significantly, and a clinically noticeable color change was observed in all groups after clinical use (P < .005). There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of S. mutans adhesion for most of the wires. No significant correlation was found between the amount of S. mutans adhesion and the surface roughness.

All the arch wires showed increased surface roughness and clinically noticeable color change. The surface roughness values were not found to be correlated with the amount of S. mutans adhesion.