Osseointegration is crucial for successful dental implants and nanotechnology can enhance this process by improving the surface properties of the implant, making it more conducive to bone growth and reducing the risk of implant failure. Nanoparticles can also coat implants with antimicrobial agents, reducing infection risk and improving outcomes. Nanotechnology in Orthodontics For Dr. Bach, the potential uses of nanotechnology in orthodontics fall into three areas: oral biofilm control, friction reduction and bone tissue engineering. Control of Oral Biofilm Dental plaque is always a concern in orthodontics, especially for patients with braces or aligners. “Nanomaterials are currently being tested to be used either as coatings on the surface of orthodontic appliances (brackets, wires, aligners) or it can be incorporated inside the orthodontic bonding system or cement,” says Dr. Bach. By employing nanoparticles (titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide and silver nanoparticles), these coatings may decrease caries and white spot lesions caused by brackets and appliances. Integrating nanoparticles like chlorine, fluoride, and zinc oxides into dental cements and resins used in bonding orthodontic appliances could also prevent demineralization and promote oral health during orthodontic treatment, reducing bacterial metabolism and acid production. “Elastomeric ligatures and power chains harbour a lot of bacteria. Scientists are testing silver nanoparticles in association with elastomeric ligatures to reduce dental biofilm and demineralization of enamel caused by bacterial plaque accumulation,” Dr. Bach explains. Reduction of Friction Friction can delay treatment by hindering tooth movement. Dr. Bach says, “A good percentage of the orthodontic force used to achieve the desired dental movement is lost due to the friction force.” Reducing this friction could significantly enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments. Coated orthodontic wires, developed using nanotechnology, may offer a solution. “It’s been proposed that coating orthodontic arch wires with a film containing nanoparticles would be one possible solution,” Dr. Bach says. Molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide could shorten orthodontic treatments by reducing friction and improving tooth movement. Friction during treatment is influenced by bracket design, torque, slot size and ligation type. Minimizing friction allows orthodontists to apply precise forces, resulting in predictable outcomes and a comfortable experience for patients. Bone Tissue Engineering Creating an artificial environment can facilitate bone regeneration and growth. “Nanoparticles can be used in a bone graft to deliver bioactive materials, growth factors, and genetic materials, or as a scaffold to enhance stability and cellular attachments,” explains Dr. Bach. Nanoparticles can be used in a bone graft to deliver bioactive materials, growth factors, and genetic materials, or as a scaffold to enhance stability and cellular attachments. This potential use is applicable to orthodontic treatment requiring tooth movement through bone regeneration. The use of nanoparticles in bone grafts can enhance the healing process and improve the overall outcomes of orthodontic treatments. For example, when moving a tooth into the space from an extracted tooth, the surrounding bone may need reinforcement to support the tooth’s new position. Nanotechnology can provide the necessary scaffolding and bioactive materials to encourage bone growth, ensuring the stability and longevity of the treatment results. 25 Issue 1 | 2025 |
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