Evaluation of a novel approach in the prevention of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of a resin fissure sealant, nano-filled self-adhesive protective coating, resin infiltrant, glass ionomer cement (GIC), and GIC containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) in preventing the formation of subsurface lesions of enamel (SLE) adjacent to orthodontic brackets by acting as an enamel surface sealant (ESS).

Methods: Eighty-five enamel specimens with molar tubes bonded at their centre were randomly divided into five groups, each treated with a different material at the bracket's periphery. Specimens were stored in an acetate demineralization solution at pH 4.5 for 7 days at 37 °C then imaged using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) to determine the difference in fluorescence (∆F) between sound- and acid-exposed enamel. Lesion cross-sections were then examined using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure lesion depth.

Results: The use of GIC alone or incorporating CPP-ACP significantly reduced ∆F compared with other materials. Backscattered SEM images showed no measurable demineralization for enamel treated with either GIC material in contrast with other groups, which showed statistically significant demineralization levels.

Conclusions: The fluoride-releasing effects and CPP-ACP benefits of the GIC materials show promise as an effective ESS in inhibiting enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets.

Keywords: White spot lesion; caries prevention; enamel surface sealant; quantitative light-induced fluorescence; scanning electron microscopy.