Study of Innovative Coating May Help Stem Plaque Growth
Early tests on a new coating for orthodontic brackets and wires suggest it could inhibit plaque growth and decalcification common in patients wearing fixed appliances without decreasing the bond strength between brackets and teeth.
Researchers at New York University College of Dentistry have observed minimal plaque and calculus formation on teeth surrounding the coated braces and no significant difference in bond strength between coated and uncoated braces during their two-year study. The coating is made from a calcium phosphate base that releases zinc - a frequent ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash - onto braces and surrounding teeth. Zinc inhibits the growth of acid-producing bacteria that demineralize teeth and minimizes dental calculus formation.
The coating, which would not require approval by the Federal Drug Administration, would not be expensive to produce and could be available to market pending patent approval and further testing in patients.
It is believed this is the first time that such a calcium phosphate coating had been studied. Efforts to stem plaque and calculus formation in orthodontic patients with other methods, such as applying fluoride releasing tooth varnishes or performing laser therapy around brackets, have had limited success and have diminished bond strength in some cases.
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