Efficacy of a Copper–Calcium–Hydroxide Solution in Reducing Microbial Plaque on Orthodontic Clear Aligners: A Case Report

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a copper–calcium–hydroxide-based compound to remove microbial plaque naturally produced onto orthodontic clear aligners. A commercially available dental paste, named Cupral, based on copper–calcium–hydroxide, was used. A healthy volunteer (female, 32 years old), undergoing orthodontic treatment with thermoplastic clear aligners was enrolled. By conventional/confocal microscopy and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, 2-week used aligners were examined for microbial plaque, prior and following exposure to Cupral. Confocal microscopy revealed abundant plaque irregularly distributed onto the aligner surface. Following Cupral treatment, a drastic decrease occurred in plaque thickness and matrix presence. As assessed by the CFU assay, total microbial load approached 109 CFUs/aligner, with slight differences in aerobiosis and anaerobiosis culture conditions; six macroscopically different types of colonies were detected and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Following Cupral treatment, microbial load dropped to undetectable levels, irrespectively of the conditions considered. Exposure of clear aligners to Cupral results in the elimination of contaminating microorganisms; the antimicrobial activity is retained up to 1.25% concentration. Overall, our data describe a novel use of Cupral, a copper–calcium–hydroxide-based compound, in daily hygiene practices with promising results.

Efficient Design of a Clear Aligner Attachment to Induce Bodily Tooth Movement in Orthodontic Treatment Using Finite Element Analysis

“…Aligners have been demonstrated to be comfortable and reduce facial pain due to the relatively lower orthodontic loads delivered to the teeth as compared to the traditional fixed appliances [ 11 ]. In addition, aligners have been reported to minimize dental trauma, microbial risk, and apical resorption [ 12 ].…”

The Role of Coconut Oil in Treating Patients Affected by Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Pilot Study

“…Many substances can be used as coadjuvant in reducing plaque formation, but there are still few scientific evidences validating it. 8,9 Recent studies regarding "oil pulling" therapy using sunflower oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil were performed to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis. [10][11][12][13][14] "Oil pulling" is a term defining a traditional ayurvedic remedy consisting in rinsing the mouth with oil.…”

“…Many substances can be used as coadjuvant in reducing plaque formation, but there are still few scientific evidences validating it. 8 9 …”

Copper–Calcium Hydroxide and Permanent Electrophoretic Current for Treatment of Apical Periodontitis

“…Cupral has numerous physico-chemical characteristics that allow it to be used in association with an electrophoresis technique, which solves the task that lies before endodontics specialists [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Such a technique has been shown to be active not only against bacterial and fungal vegetative cells but also against spores and viruses; its wide-spectrum efficacy renders this approach highly interesting [ 23 , 24 , 26 ].…”