Fluoride-releasing elastomerics--a prospective controlled clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Cariology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Enamel decalcification is a common complication during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy.
• White spot lesions can lead to irreversible enamel damage and aesthetic concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of stannous fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules and chains in preventing enamel decalcification.
• To compare the incidence and severity of decalcification between fluoride-releasing and non-fluoride-releasing orthodontic elastomers.

Main Methods:

• A prospective controlled clinical trial involving 94 patients (1522 teeth).
• Experimental group used stannous fluoride-releasing elastomerics (Fluor-I-Ties/Fluor-I-Chain); control group used non-fluoride-releasing elastomerics.
• Direct clinical observation and an index were used to record enamel decalcification incidence and distribution.

Main Results:

• Fluoride-releasing elastomerics reduced enamel decalcification incidence from 73% to 63% in patients and from 26% to 16% in teeth.
• An overall 49% reduction in decalcification score per tooth was observed with fluoride-releasing elastomers (P < 0.001).
• Significant reductions were noted in all enamel zones except occlusal; gingival areas were most affected.

Conclusions:

• Stannous fluoride-releasing orthodontic elastomers are highly effective in preventing enamel decalcification during fixed appliance therapy.
• These novel elastomers offer a significant protective benefit against white spot lesion formation.
• Gingival enamel and specific teeth (maxillary lateral incisors, mandibular second premolars) are most susceptible to decalcification.