Evaluation of Orthodontic Bands Coated With Nano-silver Fluoride

1. Aim of the Study To evaluate the antibacterial and enamel remineralization effects of nano-silver fluoride-coated orthodontic bands compared with conventional non-coated bands in orthodontic patients over 6 months. 2. What Will I Do in This Study? * Conduct a randomized split-mouth clinical trial involving 25 patients. * Place orthodontic bands on the maxillary first molars, with one band coated and the contralateral band left uncoated as the control. * Randomize the right or left side receiving the coated band. * Collect dental plaque samples after 24 hours, 3 months, and 6 months to measure bacterial counts, particularly Streptococcus mutans, using colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. * Assess enamel demineralization and remineralization using DIAGNOdent measurements before band placement and after band removal. 3. Materials Used * Orthodontic bands: Stainless steel molar bands. * Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): Concentration of 5 µg/mL, with an average particle size of 40 nm. * Fluoride: Concentration of 5 ppm. * Coating technique: Dip coating, followed by air-drying and incubator drying.

Inclusion Criteria: * • Patients presenting with malocclusion, including crowding, spacing, increased overjet or overbite, crossbite, or open bite. * Presence of a sufficient number of erupted permanent teeth to allow effective placement and retention of orthodontic appliances. * Good oral and periodontal health, with no active caries or untreated periodontal disease. * Systemically healthy patients, or those with controlled medical conditions that do not contraindicate orthodontic tooth movement. * Patients demonstrating adequate motivation and willingness to cooperate, including maintaining oral hygiene and attending regular follow-up visits. Exclusion Criteria: * • Presence of active dental caries or Poor oral hygiene. * Active periodontal disease, including gingivitis or periodontitis with attachment loss. * Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases that may affect bone metabolism or healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, metabolic bone disorders). * Use of medications that adversely affect orthodontic tooth movement and cannot be medically managed. * Insufficient erupted teeth to support orthodontic appliances. * Low motivation or poor compliance, including failure to attend appointments or follow treatment instructions.