The effect of surface roughening of orthodontic elastomers on hydrophobicity and in vitro adherence of Streptococcus gordonii.

Biofilm formation around orthodontic appliances causes gingivitis, enamel decalcification and caries. Bacteria adhere less readily to superhydrophobic surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine whether a superhydrophobic surface could be generated on orthodontic elastomers by surface modification in order to reduce bacterial adhesion. Orthodontic elastomers were modified with sandpapers of various grit sizes (80-600 grit). Surface roughness of the modified and unmodified surfaces was assessed qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy and quantitatively with confocal microscopy. Water contact angles were measured with a goniometer to quantify hydrophobicity. Measurements were performed on unextended elastomers (100% original length) and elastomers extended to 150%, and 200% of the original length. Adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii to saliva coated elastomers was measured by counting colony forming units on agar plates. Abrasion with different sandpapers produced elastomers with surface roughness (R The surface roughness of orthodontic elastomers influences both their hydrophobicity and bacterial adhesion. Superhydrophobicity of elastomers could not be achieved with sandpaper abrasion.

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Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.