Antibacterial Nanocoatings for Orthodontic Braces and Clear Aligners: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Translational Potential

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 02 | Page : 7 17
By

Atul Khajuria,

Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi,

  1. Dean & Professor, Department of Allied & Healthcare Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India
  2. Dental Surgeon, Department of Allied & Health Care Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India

Abstract

Orthodontic brackets, archwires and clear aligners create retentive sites that favor biofilm accumulation, leading to white-spot lesions, enamel demineralization and gingival inflammation during treatment. Conventional chemomechanical plaque control has limited effectiveness in this high-risk environment, especially in adolescents with poor compliance. Antibacterial nanocoatings on metallic and polymeric orthodontic components have emerged as a promising strategy to locally suppress cariogenic and periodontopathogenic biofilms while preserving mechanical performance and esthetics. This review summarizes the state of the art in antibacterial nanocoatings for stainless-steel and ceramic brackets, NiTi archwires and clear aligner materials, with emphasis on synthesis routes, structure– property relationships, in vitro and in vivo performance, and translational challenges. We discuss metallic (Ag, Cu, ZnO), metal-oxide hybrid, graphene-based and polymer-grafted nanocoatings, highlighting how process parameters – such as particle size, loading, film thickness and binding chemistry – modulate biofilm inhibition, ion release, and durability under oral conditions. Particular attention is given to clear aligner systems incorporating bioactive nanofillers or antifouling zwitterionic monomers to minimize surface biofouling without compromising transparency. Regulatory, toxicological and clinical trial considerations are reviewed, including ion leaching, color stability, wear, and compatibility with routine disinfection and sterilization workflows. Finally, we outline future directions, such as smart and stimuli-responsive antibacterial coatings, integration with remineralizing nanophases, and standardized methodologies, for long-term in vivo evaluation in orthodontic patients.

Keywords: Orthodontic appliances, antibacterial nanocoatings, biofilm inhibition, clear aligners, orthodontic brackets, archwires, nanotechnology

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry ]

How to cite this article: Atul Khajuria, Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi. Antibacterial Nanocoatings for Orthodontic Braces and Clear Aligners: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Translational Potential. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(02):7-17.
How to cite this URL: Atul Khajuria, Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi. Antibacterial Nanocoatings for Orthodontic Braces and Clear Aligners: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Translational Potential. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(02):7-17. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjod/article=2026/view=253168

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 17
Issue 02
Received 27/02/2026
Accepted 28/05/2026
Published 24/08/2026
Publication Time 178 Days

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