Evaluation of antimicrobial effect of the Neo Pill device on fixed orthodontic appliances: in vitro pilot study.

INTRODUCTION

Oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances is not satisfactory in most cases. Namely, rough and irregular edges on fixed orthodontic appliances can facilitate attachment of microorganisms, which causes periodontal diseases and caries. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the reduction of microbes between the wires of fixed orthodontic appliances after the action of the Neo Pill electrolysis device.

METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out in the laboratory of the Faculty of Stomatology in Pančevo, where serial dilutions were prepared in buffered peptone water, and together with the most appropriate dilution rate for the desired colony-forming units in a given volume (80-120 colony-forming units per plate) for bacterial strains (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, Actinomyces odontolyticus ATCC 17929) as well as for Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). The microbial assessment was done for the detection of colony-forming units from the samples before and after using the Neo Pill electrolysis device. All data were statistically analyzed with the Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test.

RESULTS

Results of analyses revealed that the number of microbes in all Neo Pill groups was significantly lower compared to the Control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Neo Pill electrolysis device is efficient in the removal of oral bacteria and fungi and could be an addition to the oral hygiene for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.