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Bioactive orthodontic adhesive for clear-aligner attachments: antibacterial activity, ion release, and bonding
Heba Alqarni1, Yuchan Seol2, Ibrahim Ba-Armah3
1Dental Biomedical Sciences PhD Program, Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore MD, 21201, USA; Department of Biomaterials and Regenerative Dental Medicine, University Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia.
This study developed a new dual-functional orthodontic adhesive with antibacterial properties and ion release, maintaining strong enamel bonding. The bioactive adhesive shows promise for reducing risks associated with clear-aligner attachments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dental adhesives are crucial for orthodontic treatments, but biofilm accumulation poses a risk.
- Current adhesives lack antibacterial properties and ion-releasing capabilities to prevent demineralization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel dual-functional adhesive integrating antibacterial (DMADDM) and ion-releasing (NACP) agents.
- To evaluate its bonding strength, antibacterial efficacy, and ion release without compromising enamel adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Formulated adhesives with varying concentrations of DMADDM and NACP in a UDMA/TEGDVBE base with MDP.
- Assessed degree of conversion, flowability, enamel shear bond strength (SBS), and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilms.
- Measured calcium and phosphate ion release under acidic conditions.
Main Results:
- Experimental adhesives demonstrated SBS comparable to the commercial control.
- Adhesives with 6% DMADDM significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm viability and acid production.
- NACP formulations exhibited sustained release of calcium and phosphate ions for 35 days.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioactive adhesive offers antibacterial properties and ion release while maintaining excellent bonding performance.
- This dual-functional adhesive shows potential for reducing biofilm-related risks around clear-aligner attachments.
- Further in vitro testing is recommended to assess its impact on white-spot lesion formation.
