Evaluation and Comparison of Two Different Mouthwashes on Frictional Resistance Between Orthodontic Bracket and Archwire: An in Vitro Study

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of tea tree oil (TTO) mouthwash and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on frictional resistance. Settings and Design: In vitro. Materials and Methods: In total, 60 extracted premolars were mounted on a custom-made acrylic fixture. These 60 premolars were randomly divided into 3 groups of 20 each, on which 0.022″ × 0.028″ slot MBT stainless steel brackets were bonded and 0.019″ × 0.025″ rectangular stainless steel wire was ligated with an elastomeric module. The 3 groups included a control group where the samples were immersed in artificial saliva and 2 experimental groups immersed in 0.2% CHX and TTO mouthwash, respectively, for 1.5 hours. Postimmersion static frictional resistance was evaluated on a universal testing machine at crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical Analysis Used: Tukey’s post hoc procedure. Results: This study showed a statistically significant difference in the frictional resistance between saliva and CHX groups and CHX and TTO groups (P < .05). No statistically significant difference was observed between saliva and TTO groups (P > .05). The frictional resistance was more in the CHX mouthwash group than in the TTO mouthwash group. Conclusions: Frictional resistance was lesser in the TTO mouthwash than in the CHX mouthwash. Based on this result, TTO mouthwash can be used instead of CHX mouthwash as an oral hygiene aid in patients with orthodontic treatments