Ion Release from Nanoparticle Coated Orthodontic Brackets

White spot lesions remain one of the most common and clinically significant complications associated with fixed orthodontic treatment, primarily resulting from increased plaque retention and prolonged enamel demineralisation around brackets. Despite advances in preventive protocols, effective control of these lesions continues to be highly dependent on patient compliance, often limiting clinical success.In this context, nanoparticle-coated orthodontic brackets have emerged as a promising innovation, offering intrinsic antimicrobial properties that inhibit biofilm formation and reduce the risk of white spot lesion development. Metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles such as silver, zinc oxide, and copper oxide have demonstrated the ability to suppress cariogenic bacteria while releasing ions in a controlled manner within the oral environment. Understanding the salivary release behaviour, antimicrobial efficacy, and biocompatibility of these nanoparticle-coated brackets is therefore essential for their safe and effective clinical application. This chapter highlights current evidence on nanoparticle-based orthodontic materials and their role in mitigating white spot lesions during fixed.