Differences in the Release of Nickel Ions in Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets After Immersion of Active Charcoal Suspension from Oil Palm Shells

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 107 views

Differences in the Release of Nickel Ions in Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets After Immersion of Active Charcoal Suspension from Oil Palm Shells

Introduction

The use of stainless steel orthodontic brackets is a common practice in orthodontic treatment. However, the release of nickel ions from these brackets can trigger hypersensitivity reactions in patients. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using herbal mouthwashes as an alternative to chlorhexidine, which is often used to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque accumulation. One of the promising ingredients in herbal mouthwashes is active charcoal produced from oil palm shells, which has antibacterial properties that can reduce the number of bacterial colonies and increase the pH of saliva. This study aims to investigate the difference in the average release of nickel ions in stainless steel orthodontic brackets after immersion in active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells for 7 and 14 days.

Background

The release of nickel ions from stainless steel orthodontic brackets is a significant concern in dental health. Nickel ions not only have the potential to cause allergic reactions, but can also affect the comfort and overall oral health of patients. Chlorhexidine is often used as a mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque accumulation, but its use is often faced with side effects that can interfere with the balance of normal flora in the oral cavity. Therefore, there is a need for safer alternatives that can provide effective oral hygiene without causing side effects.

Methodology

This study was conducted by laboratory experiment using 30 samples of mini diamond orthodontic brackets from the Ormco brand, specifically for premolar teeth. The samples were divided into six groups and immersed in artificial saliva, chlorhexidine 0.2%, and 12% active charcoal suspension of oil palm shells for 7 and 14 days. The results showed a significant difference in the average number of nickel ions released from the ORMCO Stainless Steel orthodontic bracket after immersion for 7 and 14 days.

Results

The results of this study showed that the average release of nickel ions after immersion in artificial saliva, chlorhexidine 0.2%, and 12% active charcoal suspension of oil palm shells for 7 days was (0.0027 ± 0.0003; 0.0149 ± 0.0013; and 0.0056 ± 0.0008, respectively. The results also showed that the average release of nickel ions after immersion for 14 days was significantly higher than that of 7 days.

Discussion

The release of nickel ions from stainless steel orthodontic brackets is an important issue in dental health, especially for patients who are sensitive to metals. The use of active charcoal from oil palm shells as an alternative mouthwash provides two advantages: reduction of the release of nickel ions and increased oral hygiene thanks to its antibacterial properties. Active charcoal suspension not only has the ability to absorb various contaminants, but also serves to neutralize acids in the mouth, increasing the pH of saliva and preventing dental demineralization.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights on effective ways to reduce the risk of side effects from the use of stainless steel brackets, especially for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions. The results of this study also encourage the development of herbal products that are safer and effective for oral health. With the increasing number of studies that prioritize natural ingredients, there is hope to find solutions that are not only useful, but also have minimal side effects. This study also shows that innovation in the treatment of orthodontic can utilize local resources that were previously less utilized, such as oil palm shells.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells be used as an alternative mouthwash to chlorhexidine in orthodontic treatment. The use of active charcoal suspension can provide effective oral hygiene without causing side effects, and can also reduce the release of nickel ions from stainless steel orthodontic brackets. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of using active charcoal suspension as a mouthwash in orthodontic treatment.

Future Directions

This study provides a new direction for the development of herbal products that are safer and effective for oral health. The use of active charcoal from oil palm shells as an alternative mouthwash provides a promising solution for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using active charcoal suspension as a mouthwash in orthodontic treatment, and to explore the potential of using other natural ingredients in oral health products.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a laboratory setting. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using active charcoal suspension as a mouthwash in orthodontic treatment in a larger population and in a clinical setting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides new insights on effective ways to reduce the risk of side effects from the use of stainless steel brackets, especially for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions. The results of this study also encourage the development of herbal products that are safer and effective for oral health. With the increasing number of studies that prioritize natural ingredients, there is hope to find solutions that are not only useful, but also have minimal side effects. This study also shows that innovation in the treatment of orthodontic can utilize local resources that were previously less utilized, such as oil palm shells.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Release of Nickel Ions in Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets

Q: What is the significance of the release of nickel ions in stainless steel orthodontic brackets?

A: The release of nickel ions from stainless steel orthodontic brackets is a significant concern in dental health. Nickel ions not only have the potential to cause allergic reactions, but can also affect the comfort and overall oral health of patients.

Q: What are the effects of nickel ions on patients?

A: Nickel ions can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, itching, and swelling. In severe cases, nickel ions can also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Q: What are the alternatives to chlorhexidine for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing plaque accumulation?

A: There are several alternatives to chlorhexidine, including herbal mouthwashes that contain active charcoal produced from oil palm shells. Active charcoal has antibacterial properties that can reduce the number of bacterial colonies and increase the pH of saliva.

Q: What are the benefits of using active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells as a mouthwash?

A: The use of active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells as a mouthwash provides two advantages: reduction of the release of nickel ions and increased oral hygiene thanks to its antibacterial properties. Active charcoal suspension also serves to neutralize acids in the mouth, increasing the pH of saliva and preventing dental demineralization.

Q: How does the duration of use of mouthwash affect the release of nickel ions in stainless steel orthodontic brackets?

A: The results of this study showed that the average release of nickel ions after immersion for 14 days was significantly higher than that of 7 days. This suggests that the duration of use of mouthwash is an important factor in managing dental health during orthodontic treatment.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of herbal products for oral health?

A: This study provides new insights on effective ways to reduce the risk of side effects from the use of stainless steel brackets, especially for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions. The results of this study also encourage the development of herbal products that are safer and effective for oral health.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size and a laboratory setting. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using active charcoal suspension as a mouthwash in orthodontic treatment in a larger population and in a clinical setting.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the use of active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells as a mouthwash?

A: Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of using active charcoal suspension as a mouthwash in orthodontic treatment. Additionally, research is needed to explore the potential of using other natural ingredients in oral health products.

Q: What are the recommendations for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions to stainless steel orthodontic brackets?

A: Patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions to stainless steel orthodontic brackets should discuss their concerns with their orthodontist. In the meantime, patients can use active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells as a mouthwash to reduce the release of nickel ions and increase oral hygiene.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of new materials for orthodontic brackets?

A: This study suggests that the development of new materials for orthodontic brackets that are safer and more effective for oral health is a promising area of research. The use of active charcoal suspension from oil palm shells as a mouthwash provides a promising solution for patients who are worried about hypersensitivity reactions.