ANTIBACTERIAL ADHESIVES IN ORTHODONTICS

Enamel demineralization around orthodontic attachments is a common complication of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. plaque accumulation and plaque maturation, colonization of bacteria around the orthodontic attachments, presence of a susceptible tooth surface and duration of orthodontic treatment are reported to be factors that play a role in demineralization. orthodontic adhesive resins that are used for bonding appliances to teeth are one of the risk factors for enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment that is why some agents with antibacterial properties are now being added to orthodontic adhesive resins. cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc oxide, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride and silver are the antibacterial agents that were added to restorative resins as well as orthodontic adhesives and their effects have been evaluated. if they prove to be viable, these new orthodontic adhesives may help with the prevention of white spot lesions along with other preventive measures such as mechanical plaque control and topical fluoride application. our aim is to review the available literature on these new additives with special emphasis on their antimicrobial activity and effect on adhesive properties.