Background: The archwires used in orthodontic practice provide a conducive environment for oral microorganisms and biofilm, enough to cause dental diseases such as caries and periodontal diseases, hence this study is carried out to evaluate the absorbance and concentration of biofilm on 4 different types of retrieved orthodontic archwires used during orthodontic treatment.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 120 orthodontic patients, divided into 4 groups based on type of archwire of same cross section -0.017*0.025 inch - Group I- Aesthetic Coated Stainless Steel, Group II- Stainless Steel (SS), Group III- Heat Activated Nickel Titanium (HANT) and Group IV- Nickel Titanium(NiTi). After 1 month in the oral cavity, archwires were retrieved, subject to quantitative biofilm measurement using spectrophotometer.
Results -On comparing biofilm absorbance, significant differences among archwires (P=0.0001) were found, except between aesthetic coated SS and SS (P=0.93) and for biofilm concentration, except between aesthetic coated SS and SS (P=0.86) all archwires showed significant difference.
Conclusion: All archwires demonstrate significant biofilm adhesion, with biofilm absorbance and concentration highest affinity for NiTi wires, followed by HANT, SS, and aesthetic coated SS with aesthetic coated SS having the least biofilm retention and microbial colonization.
