In vitro study of the antibacterial properties and microbial colonization susceptibility of four self-etching adhesives used in orthodontics.

OBJECTIVES 1. To determine the in vitro antibacterial effectiveness of the orthodontic bonding Transbond XT (3M Unitek) and four self-etching adhesives with possible use in orthodontic bonding (Clearfil Protect Bond, CPB; Clearfil Self-etching Bond, CSB; Transbond Plus Self-Etching Primer, TSEP; iBond) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus gasseri in order to compare that capacity among the adhesives and with respect to Transbond XT; 2. To determine the bacterial adhesion capacity of the above mentioned microorganisms to the tested adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS The inhibitory effects of the adhesives against S. mutans and L. gasseri were examined using the agar diffusion method with Whatman No.1 5mm disks loaded with 15 μl of adhesive, UV polymerized, layered on previously inoculated BHI and MRS plates incubated microaerobically for 48 hours at 37 degree C. Data were analysed with Kruskal-Wallis (P < 0.05) and Mann-Whitney tests, applying the Bonferroni correction (P < 0.003). Bacterial adhesion was studied with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Only CPB and iBond produced a clear growth inhibition halo against S. mutans and L. gasseri (P < 0.0001). iBond was the only tested product to which the bacteria adhere profusely, particularly S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS CPB has shown antimicrobial properties in vitro, and, provided the limitations of an in vitro study, the use of this self-etching adhesive may contribute to reduce microbial decalcification, making the use of this self-etching adhesive an attractive option for bracket bonding.