The Influence of 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine Polymer Materials on Orthodontic Friction and Attachment of Oral Bacteria

There is no clinical evidence of the usage of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers in dental practice. We performed in vitro studies to determine whether the application of an MPC coating to stainless steel orthodontic wires confers low-friction and antimicrobial properties to these wires. The friction test on MPC-coated wires was performed using a precision universal/tensile tester. MPC polymer was coated on a 50 × 50 mm stainless steel plate, and samples were assessed using an antimicrobial activity test. To verify the effect of MPC polymer-treated wires on experimental tooth movement models in vitro, examinations were performed on typodonts to determine the improvement in tooth movement efficiency. The polymer treatment wire groups demonstrated significantly enhanced tooth movement compared with the untreated wire groups, at both 50 g and 100 g traction forces. The results indicated that MPC coating inhibited the attachment of oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, on a stainless steel plate. Additionally, the coating seemed to improve the efficiency of tooth movement by reducing the occurrence of friction. The application of an MPC coating onto stainless steel wires, which are used as orthodontic materials, may reduce static friction and bacterial adherence to the oral cavity and improve tooth movement.