ADHESION AND BIOFILM FORMATION BY PERIODONTOPATHOGENIC BACTERIA ON DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL BRACKETS

Objective. To compare early bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in vitro by common and uncommon periodontal pathogens on a variety of commercial brackets. Matherials and Methods Adhesion and biofilm formation in vitro of 4 bacterial strains on 15 different commercial brackets, in standard culture mediums complemented or not with either serum or human saliva was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR after extraction of bacterial DNA. Results. Materials significantly influenced bacterial adhesiveness in a species specific way. Titanium and gold brackets constantly yielded the lowest values with all tested bacteria and in all tested conditions. Bracket materials and medium of growth significantly influenced biofilm formation. Conclusions. Materials and environmental conditions significantly influence biofilm formation by periodontal pathogens at the surface of brackets. Whenever possible brackets should be kept far from the gingival margin and if this is not possible, brackets made of gold, titanium, and ceramic should be preferentially used.