Zn-RELEASING CALCIUM PHOSPHATE (Zn-CaP) COMPOUNDS FOR ANTIBACTERIAL COATING ON ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES AND DENTAL IMPLANTS

摘要

The invention discloses compositions of Zn-releasing calcium phosphate (Zn-CaP) compounds for use as anti-bacterial coatings for both orthodontic brackets and dental implants. These methods for providing these compositions are also disclosed. Antibacterial coatings on orthodontic brackets will minimize the problems associated with orthodontic appliance, i.e., decalcification or caries formation around and under the orthodontic appliance and calculus formation around the orthodontic appliance. When applied as anti-bacterial coatings on dental implants they minimize the incidence of peri-implantitis that often lead to implant failure and eliminate the costly process of providing a smooth section in the implant. (While roughness is necessary for better osseointegration of the implant, the same roughness facilitates bacterial adhesion and colonization). Anti-bacterial coating on roughened Ti or Ti alloy substrate will also reduce the cost of implant manufacture since applying the coating will reduce the cost of the process of polishing part of the implant to provide a smooth surface less conducive to bacterial adhesion. The invention thus benefits the patients in two areas of dentistry: orthodontics and implant dentistry in terms of health and cost.