Comparative study on mechanical and antibacterial properties of nanoparticle-reinforced orthodontic composites

Bond failure and white spot lesion are continuing issues during fixed orthodontic therapy. Therefore, it is of interest to compare mechanical and antibacterial properties of four orthodontic composite such as zirconia-reinforced, silver-reinforced and hybrid nanoparticle composites. The ZrO₂ and the hybrid groups had high shear bond and flexural strengths when compared to the commercial control and the AgNP-containing groups were very effective in the anti-bacterial action against S. mutans. The composite hybrid was a unique compound that was to offer a high mechanical performance and the strong antibacterial action. Altogether, zirconia-silver hybrid material can be discussed as an effective multifunctional substance that will help avoid debonding and enamel demineralization processes during orthodontic treatment.