An evaluation of a fluoride-releasing, visible light-activated bonding system for orthodontic bracket placement

In spite of improved preventive measures, decalcification around bonded orthodontic appliances continues to be a problem for the clinician. Various fluoride-containing mediums have been proposed as aiding in the elimination of this problem; however, almost all are dependent on patient cooperation for their success. An ideal preventive system would be one that would operate independently of patient cooperation. The purpose of the present study was to compare a visible light-activated, fluoride-releasing bonding system with a visible light-activated conventional bonding system relative to bracket retention and prevalence of decalcification. Twenty-two patients were entered into the study, representing 206 experimental brackets and 206 control brackets. The average treatment period was 25 months. No significant differences in bracket retention rates were found between the two systems. Significantly, 26 teeth in the control group demonstrated decalcification (12.6%), whereas none of the teeth in the experimental group did. The results of this study suggest that a visible light-activated, fluoride-releasing bonding system is capable of adequately retaining brackets while aiding in the prevention of decalcification around bonded appliances.