Abstract
This study aimed to modify orthodontic adhesive using graphene sheets decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag-GS) in order to examine their mechanical and antibacterial properties after bonding with orthodontic brackets. Ag-GS was added at 0.35 and 0.55 wt% into Transbond XT and studied for its antibacterial and mechanical properties. The sample treated with 0.35 wt% Ag-GS modified orthodontic adhesive had increased mean DC score (42.8 +/- 6.7), SBS (10 +/- 2), mean ARI scores (1.5 +/- 1), and the minimal cytotoxicity effect after 72 h among the experimental groups. In comparison to 0.35 wt% Ag-GS improved orthodontic adhesive samples, 0.55 wt% Ag-GS improved orthodontic adhesive sample showed enhanced antibacterial effect to L. acidophilus after 30 days. Our study concludes that 0.35 wt% increased antibacterial capabilities significantly and showed promising results for bonding orthodontic brackets to enamel without compromising strength.