Influence of different orthodontic bracket materials on groth and adherence of streptococcus mutans & candida albicans

Background and

With the advent of increased orthodontic treatment for adult patients and the increasing use of esthetic brackets, the importance of researches regarding microorganisms adherence to these brackets are emphasized. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different orthodontic bracket materials (metal & ceramic) on growth & adherence of Streptococcus mutans & Candida albicans.

This experimental invitro study was accomplished on 72 specimens. Two types of brackets from the premolars were used: metallic and ceramic. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and the association of both were studied. Small plates containing noutrient broth medium with 20% sucrose added were inoculated with each of the microbial suspensions. The brackets were placed in the plates. The samples were incubated at 37 C  for 5 days. After that the brackets and the supernatant were removed from the plates and the colony forming units (CFUs) adhering to the glass were counted macroscopically. some of the brackets were studiedwith electron microscopy.

The study was accomplished on 72 specimens. The adherence of microorganisms was decreased by the metallic brackets and increased by the ceramic ones (p<0.001). study with electron microscopy shows the same results.

The growth & adherence capacity of Streptococcus mutans & Candida albicans is different in the presence of various orthodontic bracket materials. Therefore we propose that the use of metallic brackets may be useful in a particular group of patients with a risk of candida albicans infection, such as patients with diabetes or immunosuppressive states and also when decrease in caries risk and periodontal disease is considered.