Evaluation of the Effect of Pudhina Mouthwash on Surface Characterisation of Nickel Titanium Archwires Used in Orthodontics – An Invitro Study

Abstract

Objective: Mouthwashes are prescribed for maintaining and improving patient's oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Commercially available mouthwashes e.g. Chlorhexidine, Listerine, fluoride containing mouthwashes alters the surface characteristics of orthodontic wires. Hence the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of a herbal mouthwash containing Pudhina, on surface quality and compositional changes of Nickel Titanium orthodontic wires.

 Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro study, pre-formed 0.016 * 0.022 inch NiTi arch wire was used. The study comprised of two 25mm length Niti wires, one control and one test sample. Control sample was stored at room temperature without any manipulation, while the test sample was immersed in Pudhina mouthwash solution for 1.5 hours, after which the test specimen was removed and rinsed with distilled water. Both control and test samples were sent for scanning electron microscopy analysis, to qualitatively characterize the topography of the wire surface. Electron dispersion spectrum analysis was done to evaluate the various components of both the wires.

Results: No significant difference in the average surface roughness for both wire samples was observed. There was no significant difference seen in the composition of wire after immersion in Pudhina mouthwash.

Conclusion: Pudhina mouthwash did not have significant influence on the surface roughness of the wire, also there was no alterations in the composition of the Ni-Ti wire. Hence Pudhina mouthwash may be prescribed as a natural, non-destructive prophylactic agent for orthodontic patients.