Effect of different mouthwash solutions on the surface morphology, nanohardness and flexural modulus of nickel-titanium orthodontic wire.

OBJECTIVE

This laboratory study aimed to evaluate the effect of different mouthwash solutions on the surface and mechanical properties of NiTi arch wire.

METHODS

This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia from September 2023 to November 2023. A 30 mm NiTi wires in length with 0.017 × 0.022" in dimensions were selected and equally divided into four groups: Control (G) group wires were immersed in distilled water (DW); G wires were immersed in antiseptic mouthwash; G wires were immersed in fluoridated mouthwash; and G wires were immersed in therapeutic mouthwash. Surface morphology, nanohardness, and flexural modulus were evaluated at 24-hours, four weeks, and eight weeks' time points. Data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (P<0.05).

RESULTS

The arch wires immersed in DW showed insignificant effects on surface roughness, nanohardness, and flexural modulus at different time points. However, all the experimental groups showed a significant effect of time and immersion solutions on the said properties (P<0.05). At the end of eight weeks, G showed the highest surface roughness (0.346 ± 0.032 µm) and the lowest nanohardness (1.350 ± 0.412 GPa) and flexural modulus (3.960 ± 0.140 MPa) compared to other study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficiency of tooth realignment could be influenced by the detrimental influence of fluoride and hydrogen peroxide mouthwash solutions on superelastic NiTi arch wires.