Photocatalytic antimicrobial effect of TiO2 anatase thin-film–coated orthodontic arch wires on 3 oral pathogens

TiO2-coated arch wires exposed to UVA illumination showed significant antimicrobial activity when compared with uncoated samples and coated, but not UVA-exposed, samples. Our results suggest that the antimicrobial effect of TiO2-coated arch wires in long-lasting orthodontic treatments would be beneficial for the prophylaxis of caries.