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In-vivo evaluation of the bacterial contamination and disinfection of acrylic baseplates of removable orthodontic appliances.

Lessa FC, Enoki C, Ito IY, Faria G, Matsumoto MA, Nelson-Filho P

Department of Pediatric Clinics, Preventive and Social Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized clinical trial assessed, by using microbial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the contamination by mutans streptococci (MS) colonies/biofilms on acrylic baseplates of removable orthodontic appliances and evaluated the efficacy of antimicrobial sprays (Periogard [Colgate-Palmolive Ind. Brasileira, Osasco, SP, Brazil], Cepacol [Merrell Lepetit Farmacêutica e Industrial Ltda, Santo Amaro, SP, Brazil], and sterile tap water [control]) on their disinfection. METHODS: Seventeen children were randomly enrolled in a 3-stage changeover system with a 1-week interval between each stage. All solutions were used in all stages by a different group of children. The acrylic baseplates were worn full time except at meals. At the end of each week of the trial, the baseplates were submitted to a randomized disinfection protocol and were sent for microbiologic analysis. New baseplates were constructed, and the same sequence of procedures was repeated 2 more times. Acrylic baseplates representing each test solution were examined by SEM. The Friedman test assessed differences at the 5% significance level among the solutions for MS biofilm formation on acrylic surface. RESULTS: Cepacol and Periogard reduced the formation of MS colonies/biofilms, and both solutions differed statistically from sterile tap water (P <.001). However, Periogard was significantly more effective against MS than Cepacol (P <.001). When MS colonies/biofilms were detected on acrylic surfaces under stereomicroscopy, this was confirmed with SEM. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylic baseplates of removable orthodontic appliances worn by children were contaminated by MS colonies/biofilms in all cases after 1 week. Although Cepacol had better results than sterile tap water, spraying with Periogard showed significantly greater efficacy in reducing MS colonies/biofilms on acrylic surfaces.

Published 11 June 2007 in Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 131(6): 705.e11-7.
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