Study On Surface-Modified Orthodontic Wires By Different Concentration Of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/2ebxww63Keywords:
Orthodontic wires, Titanium oxide nanoparticles, Surface modification, Friction reduction, Antimicrobial activity, Nanotechnology in orthodontics.Abstract
Background: Surface modification of orthodontic wires has emerged as an innovative approach to enhance their mechanical and biological properties. Titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are well-known for their antimicrobial, anti-frictional, and corrosion-resistant properties. This study investigates the effect of different concentrations of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface characteristics and performance of stainless steel orthodontic wires.
Materials and Methods:Commercial stainless steel orthodontic wires (0.019” × 0.025”) were surface-treated using TiO₂ nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (w/v) via the dip-coating method. The coated wires were subjected to surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess surface morphology and roughness. Frictional resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine under wet conditions. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Streptococcus mutans using the zone of inhibition method. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results:SEM analysis revealed uniform nanoparticle deposition with increasing coverage at higher TiO₂ concentrations. AFM showed a reduction in surface roughness values from 110 nm (control) to 76 nm (1.5% TiO₂). The coefficient of friction decreased significantly in the 1.0% and 1.5% TiO₂ groups (0.21 and 0.19, respectively) compared to the control (0.31). Antibacterial testing showed maximum inhibition zone diameter in the 1.5% TiO₂ group (18.3 ± 1.2 mm), indicating enhanced antimicrobial efficacy (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:Surface modification of orthodontic wires using titanium oxide nanoparticles significantly improved surface smoothness, reduced friction, and enhanced antimicrobial properties. The 1.5% TiO₂ concentration was found to be the most effective and may contribute to improved clinical outcomes in fixed orthodontic therapy.
