Selenium Coatings for Orthodontic Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Orthodontic appliances such as brackets and arch wires interfere with oral hygiene, leading to difficulties in preventing dental diseases like gingivitis, periondontitis, and tooth enamel demineralization due to bacterial colonization and plaque accumulation, with existing antimicrobial solutions facing issues like agent depletion, antibiotic resistance, and toxicity.

Innovation Solution

Development of selenium-based antimicrobial coatings and compositions that generate superoxide radicals when reacting with thiols, providing sustained antimicrobial action without forming resistant microbes, applied to orthodontic devices and dental surfaces to inhibit microbial growth and plaque formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If orthodontic appliances are used to facilitate tooth movement and alignment, then dental correction is achieved, but bacterial colonization and plaque accumulation occur leading to gingivitis, periondontitis, and enamel demineralization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth alignment capabilityVSAvoidbacterial colonization and plaque accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies selenium compounds to orthodontic appliances that generate superoxide radicals upon contact with bacterial thiols, converting the harmful bacterial presence into a beneficial antimicrobial response. The bacteria's own thiol groups become the trigger for their destruction through superoxide radical generation, eliminating plaque and preventing demineralization while the appliance remains in place for tooth alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If existing antimicrobial agents are applied to orthodontic appliances, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the agents deplete over time requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidagent persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The selenium compound coating on orthodontic appliances functions autonomously by detecting and reacting with bacterial thiols in real-time. The antimicrobial action is self-regulating and self-sustaining, generating superoxide radicals only when bacteria are present without requiring external replenishment. This eliminates the depletion problem of traditional antimicrobial agents while maintaining continuous protection throughout the orthodontic treatment period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of antimicrobial action from pre-loaded chemical agents to in-situ radical generation. By using selenium compounds that react with bacterial thiols to produce superoxide radicals, the system transitions from consuming antimicrobial substances to generating antimicrobial effects on-demand, ensuring persistent efficacy without agent depletion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If organic antimicrobial agents like triclosan are used on orthodontic brackets, then bacterial growth is suppressed, but antibiotic resistance develops and skin irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial actionVSAvoidantibiotic resistance and skin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces organic chemical antimicrobial agents with a physical-chemical mechanism based on superoxide radical generation. Instead of using organic compounds like triclosan that bacteria can develop resistance against, the system uses selenium compounds that generate highly reactive oxygen species capable of destroying bacterial cell membranes and DNA, preventing resistance development while eliminating skin irritation issues associated with organic agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The selenium-based coatings effectively prevent enamel demineralization and microbial growth on orthodontic appliances, maintaining their antimicrobial efficacy without the need for frequent replacement and minimizing skin irritation or resistance issues, as demonstrated by the SeLECT® selenium antimicrobial coating technology.

Implementation Method 1

the selenium compound is available to a surface of a microbe to allow generation of the superoxide radical

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS8236337B2Anti-microbial orthodontic compositions and appliances and methods of production and use thereof

Publication Date: 2012.08.07 SELENIUM INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

The presently disclosed and claimed invention is directed to anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprising an effective amount of a selenium compound, kits containing same, and methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.