Abstract
The prevention of plaque and calculus build up around orthodontic appliances is a difficult task for many patients. Current literature shows free zinc ions have the ability to hinder the progression of plaque and diminish the subsequent consequences. This study demonstrates the ability of two technologies to release zinc from orthodontic cement pastes. Microencapsulation and bioactive zinc glass were the two technologies studied. The cements were tested in neutral and acidic conditions as well as in the presence of competing ions. Results demonstrated competing ions cause zinc release profiles to fluctuate, likely due to changes in solubility resulting from different complexations. Bioactive zinc glass releases more zinc under acidic conditions, and microencapsulation releases about four times more zinc than bioactive zinc glass when loaded at the same weight percent. This study confirms the ability of microencapsulation and bioactive zinc glass to release zinc when incorporated into an orthodontic cement and demonstrates their potential to fight the accumulation of plaque around orthodontic appliances.