Influence of Aesthetic Archwire Coatings on Bacterial Adhesion

Abstract

Bacterial biofilm plays a key role in the development of complications in orthodontic treatment in the form of caries or periodontal disease. The coating of orthodontic archwires can affect their mechanical properties and their bactericidal properties. In connection with the growing interest in aesthetic archwires, it was examined whether aesthetic archwire coatings contribute to the reduction of bacterial adhesion. Based on the available literature, a review was conducted on the basis of the risk of bias (RoB) assessment and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) analysis. The study took into account the results of research on different aesthetic archwire coatings. The analysis shows that there is a lack of homogeneity in the research results. The data on the different aesthetic coatings are inconclusive. On the basis of the data collected, it is impossible to determine whether aesthetic coatings reduce bacterial adhesion. Further studies, standardised in terms of research methods and statistical analysis, are needed to definitively establish whether aesthetic coatings influence bacterial adhesion.