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Some "sealants" seal--a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation
V P Joseph1, P E Rossouw, N J Basson
1Department of Orthodontics, Oral and Dental Teaching Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa.
Summary
Direct and indirect orthodontic bracket bonding methods were evaluated for sealant layer polymerization. Indirect bonding with coping and light-activated bonding showed effective sealant layers, unlike other methods.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials
Background:
- White spot lesions (demineralization) around orthodontic brackets are a common concern.
- Preventing demineralization requires effective sealant layers around bonded brackets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the polymerization of sealant layers using direct and indirect orthodontic bracket bonding methods.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different bonding techniques in creating a protective sealant layer.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine sealant layer polymerization.
- Four groups of human teeth were bonded using chemically cured resin (indirect with/without coping) and light-activated resin (direct).
- Teeth were acid-etched, bonded, sectioned, acid-etched again, and then analyzed via SEM.
Main Results:
- Groups using indirect bonding with coping (Group A) and direct bonding with light-activated resin (Group D) demonstrated a complete sealant layer.
- Groups using indirect bonding without coping (Group B) and direct bonding with chemically cured resin (Group C) showed a complete absence of a cured sealant layer.
Conclusions:
- Indirect bonding with coping and direct bonding with light-activated resin effectively polymerize the sealant layer around orthodontic brackets.
- The bonding method significantly impacts the integrity and presence of the protective sealant layer, crucial for preventing white spot lesions.