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Enamel Resistance to Demineralization After Bracket Debonding Using Fluoride Varnish
Ascensión Vicente1, Antonio José Ortiz Ruiz2, Miriam García López3
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Hospital Morales Meseguer, 2ª planta, C/Marqués de los Vélez s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|November 11, 2017
Summary
Fluoride varnish application may protect enamel from demineralization after bracket debonding. This study evaluated elemental content and morphology of bovine enamel following debonding and fluoride treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials
- Cariology
Background:
- Bracket debonding and adhesive remnant removal can compromise enamel integrity.
- Demineralization poses a risk to enamel surface after orthodontic treatment.
- Fluoride interventions are crucial for remineralization and caries prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the elemental composition and surface morphology of bovine enamel.
- To evaluate the effects of demineralization cycles after bracket debonding and adhesive removal.
- To investigate the protective potential of fluoride varnish against enamel demineralization.
Main Methods:
- Elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and fluoride (F).
- Surface morphology evaluation via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Comparative analysis of five groups: intact enamel, demineralized enamel, enamel post-adhesive removal, post-adhesive removal with demineralization, and post-adhesive removal with fluoride varnish and demineralization.
Main Results:
- Intact enamel showed significantly higher Ca and P percentages than demineralized or post-treatment groups.
- Enamel after adhesive removal had higher Ca and P than enamel subjected to demineralization post-removal.
- Fluoride varnish application (Group 5) resulted in higher Ca content and reduced demineralization compared to non-fluoride treated enamel (Group 4).
- Fluoride (F) was detected in the enamel treated with fluoride varnish.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive remnant removal and subsequent demineralization significantly reduce enamel's Ca and P content.
- Fluoride varnish application demonstrates a protective effect, preserving Ca and reducing demineralization.
- Fluoride varnish is a promising strategy to mitigate enamel damage post-orthodontic treatment.
