UV-C light as an alternative for disinfecting orthodontic pliers

Objective: Orthodontists use orthodontic pliers continuously, and these tools have a strong potential for nosocomial infections. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of three methods disinfecting pliers. Material Methods: The active tips 26 (distal end cutters Weingart pliers) were contaminated with S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans microorganisms, viruses, spores. microbial control 70% alcohol disinfection, glass bead sterilization (250 °C dry heat), ultraviolet light irradiation nm UV-C) 30 60 seconds. number colony-forming units (CFU) plaque-forming (PFU) was quantified compared each microorganism after incubation in culture plates. Results: All groups that received or subjected showed significantly lower spores, bacteria, fungi than their respective samples (p<0.001). Physical disinfection UV-C may represent reliable alternative other chemical physical due increase microorganisms resistant products emission harmful by-products treatment. Conclusion: tested effective pliers, making ultraviolet-C promising eliminate from KEYWORDS Biosafety; Contamination; Disinfection; Microorganisms; Ultraviolet light.