Influence of Chlorhexidine and Sodium Fluoride mouthwashes on Corrosion Behavior of Orthodontic brackets

Objectives: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride mouthwashes on the corrosion occurrence in stainless steel orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods Thirty orthodontic patients, aged 18 to 30, were split into three groups: the sodium fluoride mouthwash group, the chlorhexidine mouthwash group, and the control group (no prescription). The same manufacturer's 80 stainless steel orthodontic brackets for maxillary first premolars were utilized. The baseline group for the analysis consisted of twenty brand-new orthodontic brackets. Prior to analysis. Elastomeric rings were used to attach 60 stainless steel brackets intraorally to wires as 20 brackets each group. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EdX) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for the orthodontic brackets' surface analysis. A statistical study of the metal content was conducted along with an elemental analysis. Results: SEM examination revealed that the mouthwash with sodium fluoride had the roughest surface, followed by the mouthwash with chlorhexidine, while the control and baseline groups had the least. Compared to mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (CHX), mouthwash containing sodium fluoride (NaF) had a higher concentration of metal ions liberated from stainless steel orthodontic brackets. In the manganese and nickel percentages, no appreciable differences were discovered between the four groups. Conclusion: Compared to sodium fluoride mouthwash, chlorhexidin mouthwash might be a superior choice for orthodontic patients wearing stainless steel brackets in terms of oral cleanliness.1- Assistant professor of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal UniversityKey words: Orthodontic brackets, Corrosion, Mouthwash