Comparative Assessment of Commercially Available and Silver Dioxide Surface Modified Fixed Orthodontic Lingual Retainer for its Anti-Adherent and Anti-bacterial Properties: A Research Protocol for an In-vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Enamel gets demineralised when they get exposed to acidic environment. Very common issue seen after orthodontic treatment is white spot lesion and also there is a chance of inflammation in periodontal fibres if the fixed lingual retainer is given to the patient. Furthermore, it enhances the plaque and calculus accumulation. So, to minimise these deleterious effects, lingual retainer is modified by surface coating with silver dioxide which shows anti-bacterial and antiadhesive properties. Aim: Assessment of anti-adherent and anti-bacterial properties of silver dioxide (AgO2 ) surface modified Orthodontic lingual retainer against S.mutans. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study will use 60 orthodontic lingual retainer specimens. The samples will be divided into four groups for testing with 15 specimens in each group. The samples will be divided into four groups : two control groups with commercially available lingual retainer will be used for assessing anti-bacterial and anti-adhesion properties and other two will be of surface treated lingual retainer for testing. Bacterial strains will be taken with sample size 15 in each group then the preparation of photocatalytic silver dioxide-coated orthodontic lingual retainer. Even coating will be ensured by sputtering technique and thickness of coating will be 50-60 nm. Chi-square test will be used to analyse differences in categorical variables. Expected outcome: The photocatalytic (AgO2 ) coated retainer will reduce the bacterial accumulation and adhesion. Conclusion: Surface modification of lingual retainers with photocatalytic AgO2 will reduce the bacterial adhesion which can be used to prevent the formation of dental plaque and demineralization orthodontic treatment, thereby preventing demineralization of enamel and periodontal breakdown.