Layered CHX Coating for Antimicrobial Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligatures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Orthodontic patients face increased risk of dental caries and microbial biofilm formation due to plaque retention around orthodontic appliances, with existing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine (CHX) having limitations in sustained release and resistance issues, and fluoride-releasing elastomers not providing effective cariostatic effects.

Innovation Solution

Coating orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with chlorhexidine (CHX) using a novel layer-by-layer method, ensuring a sustained release of CHX to reduce microbial plaque and prevent dental caries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoride-releasing elastomers are used, then cariostatic effects are intended, but they do not provide effective prevention of demineralization and may cause faster degradation of elastics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecariostatic effectVSAvoidelastic degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the active agent from fluoride to chlorhexidine (CHX), altering the chemical parameter to achieve effective cariostatic effects without the degradation issue. CHX provides sustained release and effective plaque control without compromising elastic integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric ligatures are designed as disposable components that are replaced regularly during orthodontic treatment. This allows for continuous fresh release of CHX without long-term degradation concerns, as each new ligature provides a full dose of antimicrobial protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If chlorhexidine is used in high concentrations, then bacterial cell death is achieved, but it leads to deposition of bacterial cytoplasm and requires sustained release mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacterial inhibitionVSAvoidsustained release period

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Chlorhexidine is pre-loaded into the elastomeric ligature matrix during manufacturing, creating a reservoir that releases the antimicrobial agent over time. This preliminary loading ensures sustained release without requiring external application or complex delivery systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric ligature provides continuous release of chlorhexidine throughout its service life in the orthodontic appliance. The material matrix maintains a steady release rate, ensuring uninterrupted antimicrobial protection against plaque formation and caries development

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly decreases the salivary count of Streptococcus mutans, reducing the risk of dental caries and gum inflammation without promoting bacterial resistance, while maintaining the physical properties of the elastomeric ligatures.

Implementation Method 1

sustained release of CHX

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12415020B2Method and system for production of anti-microbial orthodontic elastomeric ligatures

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 FEIZBAKHSH MASOOD

AI summary

A method for production of anti-microbial orthodontic elastomeric ligatures is disclosed. The elastomeric ligatures are coated with an anti-microbial solution layer by layer. The coating solution comprising an anti-bacterial agent, a polymer and a solvent in the following ratio: 2 g anti-microbial agent, 4 g polymer and 200 mL solvent. The hypo-allergic latex-free orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with an internal diameter of 0.045 inches and external diameter of 0.115 inches are rinsed in distilled water, dried at 60° C. and sprayed with the anti-bacterial solution two times and dried for five minute. This process is repeated for five times and the elastomeric ligatures are dried at room temperature for 1 h.