The effect of topical fluorides on ceramic brackets

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Orthodontic Materials
• Cariology

Background:

• Topical fluorides are essential for preventing cavities in orthodontic patients.
• Concerns exist regarding potential surface alterations and weight loss in ceramic dental materials due to fluoride exposure.
• The impact of various topical fluorides on ceramic brackets remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of three common topical fluorides on the weight and surface integrity of aluminum oxide ceramic brackets.
• To compare the effects of 0.4% stannous fluoride, 0.5% acidulated phosphate fluoride, and 1.1% sodium fluoride against a water control.

Main Methods:

• Aluminum oxide ceramic brackets underwent 10 cycles of 6-minute immersion in topical fluoride solutions or water.
• Bracket weight was measured before and after immersion cycles.
• Surface morphology of bracket wings and slots was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant weight changes were observed in ceramic brackets across all treatment groups.
• Scanning electron microscopy revealed no discernible surface alterations on the wings or slots of the brackets.
• Both weight and surface appearance remained unaffected by the tested topical fluoride agents.

Conclusions:

• Commercially available topical fluorides (stannous, acidulated phosphate, and sodium fluoride) do not induce significant weight loss or surface damage to aluminum oxide ceramic brackets.
• The tested fluoride agents, applied according to the study's protocol, are safe for use with ceramic orthodontic brackets.
• Orthodontic patients can continue using these topical fluorides to prevent caries without compromising the integrity of their ceramic brackets.