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Adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to ligature and self-ligating brackets: laboratory study

https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-1-61-64

Abstract

Introduction: although self-ligating braces are supposed to provide better hygiene conditions, there is still no consensus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans (SM) to self-ligating and ligature braces from various manufacturers and types of ligatures. Methods: two commercial brands of metal braces for upper premolars («Damon 3» Ormco® and «In-Ovation» GAC®) were tested. Each of them was divided into three groups, which differed by the type of ligature (steel and elastomeric) and the model of the bracket (metal, self-ligating), for a total of six groups of six braces each. The pre-sterilized braces were immersed in saliva for one hour, then washed and added to a bacterial suspension kept under aerobic conditions for 72 hours (3 days). The adhering bacteria were then separated and counted by the number of colonies (CFU/mL) after 48 hours of growth. The groups were compared using the Kruskal – Wallis criteria (p <0.05). Results: regardless of the manufacturer’s brand, self-ligating braces showed significantly fewer colonies of microorganisms Cfu/ml. Among the compared models of self-ligating «In-Ovation» braces, GAC® showed the highest level of bacterial adhesion. Conclusions: self-ligating braces are likely to exhibit lower levels of biofilm adhesion compared to ligature braces. This is especially true for «Damon 3» Ormco® braces, which are less prone to biofilm accumulation, which is important to know for practicing orthodontics.

About the Authors

T. F. Kosyreva
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Tamara F. Kosyreva – DMD, PhD, DSc, Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Medical Institute

Moscow



M. A. Al-okbi
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Mustafa A. Al-Okbi – DMD, PhD student, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Medical Institute

Moscow



I. Katbeh
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Imad Katbeh, DMD – PhD, Associate Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Medical Institute

Moscow



E. Gergos
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Eyad Gergos – Assistant, Department of Peadiatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Medical Institute

Moscow



A. Saleh
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Ahmad Saleh – PhD student in orthodontics, Department of the orthodontics and paediatric dentistry, Medical Institute

Moscow



O. V. Virginskaia
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation

Olga Vyacheslavovna Virginskaya – PhD, Senior Lecturer Department of Peadiatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Medical Institute

Moscow



G. Saleh
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba; Al Andalus University for Medical Sciences
Syrian Arab Republic

Ghaith Saleh – Student of Dentistry

Moscow

Qadmus, Tartus



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Review

For citations:


Kosyreva T.F., Al-okbi M.A., Katbeh I., Gergos E., Saleh A., Virginskaia O.V., Saleh G. Adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to ligature and self-ligating brackets: laboratory study. Medical alphabet. 2026;(1):61-64. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-1-61-64

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ISSN 2078-5631 (Print)
ISSN 2949-2807 (Online)