Effect of Fluoridated and Non-fluoridated Mouthwash on Tooth Movement and Surface Topography Changes of Arch Wires: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effect of fluoridated and non-fluoridated mouthwash on the rate of tooth movement and surface topography changes of nickel–titanium (NiTi) and multistranded stainless steel arch wires. Materials and methods: Twenty patients aged 18–30 years with moderate mandibular anterior crowding [Little’s Irregularity Index (LII): 4–6 mm] were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) and were assigned by archwire type: Group I (NiTi) and group II (multistranded SS). Each group was subdivided into fluoridated (Colgate MaxFresh Mouthwash; groups IA and IIA) and non-fluoridated (Listerine; groups IB and IIB) mouthwash subgroups (n = 5). The rate of tooth movement was assessed monthly for 3 months using LII, and the surface topography of the retrieved wires was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: Both group I and group II demonstrated a reduction in LII over the 3 months. The non-fluoridated subgroup of group I had the greatest reduction (from 5.58 ± 0.12 mm at T0 to 0.76 ± 0.03 mm at T3) compared to the fluoridated subgroup (from 4.80 ± 0.11 to 0.50 ± 0.07 mm). For group II, the non-fluoridated subgroup reduced from 5.26 ± 0.12 mm to 0.73 ± 0.04 mm, and the fluoridated subgroup reduced from 4.27 ± 0.15 mm to 0.43 ± 0.07 mm. Intragroup comparisons were statistically significant over time (p < 0.001; Friedman test), and intergroup differences at each time point also proved statistically significant (p < 0.05; Kruskal–Wallis test). The SEM showed more significant surface damage (pitting, corrosion, and inclusions) in wires exposed to the fluoridated mouthwash group than the non-fluoridated rinse. Conclusion: Non-fluoridated mouth rinses seem to aid in orthodontic tooth movement rates, especially with NiTi arch wire, while fluoridated mouth rinses can inhibit arch wire efficacy. Clinical significance: This study addresses the lack of in vivo evidence regarding the impact of frequently used mouth rinses on orthodontic treatment efficiency. These findings will assist in selecting adjunctive mouth rinses to maintain the integrity of the arch wire and improve the rate of movement during the alignment phase. Keywords: Corrosion, Electron, Microscopy, Mouthwashes, Orthodontic tooth movement, Orthodontic Wire, Scanning. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice (2025): 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3897