Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability to coat the orthodontic brackets with TiO2 by the way of sol-gel dip-coating method for providing a reduction in pathogenic oral microflora during the treatment period with UV-applications.

Materials and Methods:

The brackets were coated with two experimental solutions of TiO2 using the sol-gel dip-coating method. Preliminary results on stainless steel and titanium brackets are presented with scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.

Results:

Deep cracking and splitting of the coating was observed in both types of bracket samples coated with the first solution in both dipping rates. But, the coating layer was found to be continuous with the second solution. A slow dipping-speed in combination with the second solution was considered as successful to be further tested.

Conclusion:

TiO2 coating method seems to be a promising process to gain antimicrobial properties of orthodontic brackets.

Keywords: Titanium dioxide, Bracket, Sol-gel process, UV, Antibacterial effect