Clinical Applications of Biomaterials - An Overview of Types of Antibacterial Coatings and Methods for Creating Them on Orthodontic Wires

Sep 30, 2026

Orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances increases plaque accumulation, driving enamel demineralization and periodontal problems. Advances in surface coating technology enable antimicrobial strategies intended to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on orthodontic components. The review surveys multiple coating categories, including metallic nanoparticles (silver, zinc, titanium), polymeric layers, carbon-based materials, and bioactive chemicals, detailing mechanisms, microbial targets, and clinical relevance. It also evaluates biocompatibility, durability, limitations, and future research directions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Highlights

Role of Antibacterial Coatings

Challenges of Orthodontic Devices

Effectiveness of Metallic Coatings

Advancements in Nanotechnology

Introduction

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine (2026)37:12 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-025-06992-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-025-06992-2) CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF BIOMATERIALS Review Article An overview of types of antibacterial coatings and methods for creating them on orthodontic wires Mona Mohajeri Tehrani1 ● Pardis Chaboki2 ● Reza Mohammadi3 ● Shamim Chinian4 ● Saman Motallebzadeh5 ● Munthar Kadhim Abosaoda6,7,8 ● Mayank Kundlas9 ● Sudhakar Theerthagiri10 ● Ali ebrahimi5 ● Sina hamzehzadeh 11 Received: 3 July 2025 / Accepted: 5 December 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract Orthodontic therapy utilizing ﬁxed equipment frequently results in heightened plaque accumulation, which can cause enamel demineralization and periodontal issues. Recent breakthroughs in surface coating technology have brought various antimicrobial techniques designed to diminish bacterial adherence and bioﬁlm formation on orthodontic components. This study thoroughly examines many types of antibacterial coatings, including metallic nanoparticles (such as silver, zinc, and titanium), polymeric layers, carbon-based materials, and bioactive chemicals, emphasizing their modes of action, microbial targets, and therapeutic signiﬁcance. Silver-based coatings are among the most thoroughly researched due to their continuous ion release and broad-spectrum antibacterial effectiveness. Photocatalytic titanium dioxide and synergistic composite coatings demonstrate promising outcomes under particular activation conditions. The review examines biocompatibility concerns, long-term durability, and the limitations of existing methodologies, while suggesting future research avenues to connect laboratory innovations with clinical applications. The surface modiﬁcation of orthodontic equipment offers a practical approach to reducing oral health hazards associated with therapy and improving patient outcomes. * Ali ebrahimi [Mehrtash236933@yahoo.com](Mehrtash236933@yahoo.com) * Sina hamzehzadeh [Hamzehzadehsina.shz@yahoo.com](Hamzehzadehsina.shz@yahoo.com) 1 Researcher at Craniomaxillofacial Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2 School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland 4 Researcher at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 5 Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland 6 College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq 7 Department of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq 8 Department of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq 9 Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India 10 Department of Biomedical, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 11 School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Graphical Abstract Highlights 1. Role of Antibacterial Coatings: Antibacterial coatings in orthodontics are crucial for improving oral health by preventing bacterial colonization on orthodontic appliances like brackets and arch wires. 2. Challenges of Orthodontic Devices: Settled orthodontic devices create environments that promote plaque formation, complicating the maintenance of oral hygiene. 3. Effectiveness of Metallic Coatings: Coatings that utilize metallic materials, particularly silver nanoparticles, have demonstrated signiﬁcant effectiveness against common oral pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of caries around brackets. 4. Advancements in Nanotechnology: Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enhanced the antimicrobial properties and mechanical performance of these a

FAQs

Why do fixed orthodontic appliances increase oral health risks?

They create new retentive niches that promote plaque buildup and favor acidogenic, biofilm-forming communities. Surface irregularities at the bracket–archwire interface further support early attachment and biofilm maturation.

What kinds of antibacterial coatings are reviewed for orthodontic wires?

The review covers metallic nanoparticles (e.g., silver, zinc, titanium), polymeric layers, carbon-based materials, and bioactive chemicals, including ion-releasing and photocatalytic approaches.

What mechanisms make silver-based coatings widely studied?

Silver-based coatings are emphasized for continuous ion release and broad-spectrum antibacterial effectiveness against oral pathogens.

Sep 30, 2026

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