Inhibition of the Growth of and Microorganisms in Aesthetic Orthodontic Brackets through the In Situ Synthesis of Ag, TiO and Ag/TiO Nanoparticles.

Plaque control is especially important during orthodontic treatment because areas of the teeth near brackets and wires are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, resulting in debris buildup of food or dental plaque, thus causing caries and periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs), and silver/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ag/TiONPs), synthesized on the surface of α-alumina ceramic brackets. The AgNPs and TiONPs were synthesized by a simple chemical method, and these were characterized by XRD, SEM, and XPS TEM; the antimicrobial activity was tested against and by diffusion test. The results of this study demonstrated that by this simple chemical method, silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be synthesized on the surface of α-alumina esthetic brackets, and these NPs possess good antimicrobial activity and the possibility of reducing dental caries, periodontal disease, and white spot generated during orthodontic treatment.