Comparison of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to fixed orthodontic wires in different types of saliva under laboratory conditions

Objectives: This study investigates the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to fixed orthodontic wires in varying types of saliva under laboratory conditions, given the heightened microbial load and increased caries prevalence in patients with orthodontic appliances. Methods and Materials : Stainless steel wires and nickel-titanium wires of the same dimensions were utilized, with six samples per group. After preparation and sterilization, the samples were immersed for two hours in artificial saliva solutions with either normal or acidic pH. Subsequently, the samples were incubated in a S. mutans suspension. Following serial dilution and cultivation on BHI agar, the number of former colonies was counted. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with a significance level at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The adhesion rate of S. mutans to stainless steel archwires was significantly higher than that to nickel-titanium archwires in both acidic and normal saliva ( p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the adhesion rate to both archwires was lower in acidic saliva compared to normal saliva ( p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: S. mutans exhibits a lower adhesion rate to nickel-titanium archwires compared to stainless steel archwires in both acidic and normal saliva.