Introduction- The contamination of orthodontic appliances due to unhygienic manufacturing and packaging processes can lead to cross-contamination, posing significant risks in clinical settings. Despite literature highlighting the necessity for sterilization or disinfection of orthodontic appliances before oral use, this practice remains uncommon in routine clinical operations. Archwires are transferred directly from their original packaging to the patient’s mouth without prior sterilization, as manufacturers do not indicate the need for such procedures.

Aim & Objectives-To evaluate the microbial contamination and disinfection efficacy of 70% ethanol on orthodontic archwires.

Materials & Method-A total of 65 archwires were obtained from three different manufacturers and divided into five groups: group 1 (3M Unitek; n = 15), group 2 (Ormco; n = 15), group 3 (Captain Ortho; n = 15), group 4 (negative control; n = 10), and group 5 (positive control; n = 10). The wires were placed in test tubes containing 10 ml of Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth to detect bacterial growth. Various biochemical and microbiological tests were conducted to analyze and identify the bacteria present. Archwires showing microbial contamination were then subjected to 70% ethanol to assess disinfecting efficacy.

Results-Microbial contamination was detected on archwires across all four groups. Identified bacteria included S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, Klebsiella, Bacillus cereus, and Acinetobacter. Microbial growth was observed in 20 of the 65 archwires, with 3M Unitek having the least contamination. Upon disinfection with 70% ethanol, Staphylococcus species and E. coli were effectively eliminated, while Bacillus remained resistant.