IJOMAHIP Published Article Details

Abstract Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires are widely used because of their superelasticity, shape memory, and ability to deliver light continuous forces. Their surface integrity may be altered by chemical exposure in the oral environment. Fluoride-containing mouthwashes are commonly used for caries prevention, but commercial formulations contain multiple ingredients and their effects on orthodontic materials may vary with formulation and exposure conditions. Methods. This in vitro quantitative experimental study evaluated a commercial Fluocaril mouthwash containing sodium fluoride (NaF) and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) on the surface roughness of NiTi orthodontic archwires. Forty-four 0.017 × 0.025-inch NiTi specimens were randomly allocated to a mouthwash group (n = 22) or artificial-saliva control group (n = 22). Specimens were exposed for 21 days. The intervention group received 1 minute 30 seconds of undiluted mouthwash daily, followed by distilled-water rinsing and storage in fresh artificial saliva; control specimens remained in artificial saliva. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Group differences were analyzed using Welch’s independent-samples t-test at α = 0.05. Results. Mean surface roughness was higher in the commercial-mouthwash group (22.76 ± 1.37 nm) than in the artificial-saliva group (11.52 ± 0.74 nm). The between-group difference was statistically significant, t(32.303) = 33.828, p < .001, with a mean difference of 11.24 nm and Cohen’s d = 10.20. Conclusion. Under the conditions of this in vitro study, the tested commercial mouthwash formulation was associated with a substantial increase in NiTi surface roughness compared with artificial saliva. Because the study did not isolate NaF, MFP, pH, or other formulation ingredients, the observed change cannot be attributed to fluoride alone and should not be interpreted as evidence of a clinical effect on friction, treatment duration, or wire failure. Further studies should compare individual and combined fluoride formulations, measure pH and other chemical characteristics, and evaluate corrosion, friction, ion release, and mechanical properties. Keywords. Atomic Force Microscopy; commercial mouthwash; nickel–titanium archwires; orthodontics; sodium fluoride; sodium monofluorophosphate; surface roughness.