Vol. 11, Issue 4, Part B (2025)

Facial appearance is significantly influenced by dental and smile aesthetics, positioning orthodontic treatment as a vital tool in enhancing dentofacial attractiveness. Fixed orthodontic appliances have improved occlusal alignment and smile esthetics, evolving from full banding of teeth to the use of direct bonding techniques with acid-etching and resin adhesives. While molar bands are still common, newer technologies like bondable buccal tubes are gaining popularity. However, fixed appliances create an altered oral environment that promotes plaque accumulation, increases Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts, and lowers pH, all of which contribute to enamel demineralization and white spot lesions. Initial bacterial adhesion at the bracket adhesive enamel interface is critical in this process. Though conventional preventive methods such as oral hygiene instructions, fluoride treatments, and antimicrobial rinses are used, their success heavily relies on patient compliance. Consequently, there is growing interest in compliance-independent solutions.
Nanotechnology offers promising alternatives. Nanoparticles exhibit unique antibacterial properties due to their small size and large surface area. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO₃ NPs) have shown significant antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. Coating orthodontic components like brackets, bands, archwires, and buccal tubes with these nanoparticles has demonstrated reduced bacterial colonization and plaque formation, thereby potentially minimizing enamel damage during orthodontic treatment.