Prevention of enamel demineralization: an in-vitro study using light-cured filled sealant.
BACKGROUND
Enamel demineralization is an undesirable side effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of applying a light-cured filled sealant onto the buccal tooth surfaces to prevent demineralization.


METHODS
Fifty extracted human third molars were allocated to 1 of 5 groups: (1) enamel surface untreated (control); (2) surface etched; (3) fluoride varnish applied; (4) enamel etched and coated with a light-cured, unfilled sealant (control sealant); and (5) enamel etched and coated with a light-cured, filled sealant (Pro Seal, Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill). The enamel surface of each specimen was brushed for 15,000 strokes with nonfluoride toothpaste slurry with a piston-action brushing machine under a standardized load. All samples were then cycled for 14 days through a daily procedure of demineralization for 6 hours and remineralization for 17 hours. Then the teeth were sectioned and evaluated quantitatively by cross-sectional microhardness testing.


RESULTS
Demineralization in the Pro Seal group was significantly less (P < .05) than in the other groups. Teeth treated with fluoride varnish exhibited 30% less demineralization than the control teeth, the enamel-etched teeth, and the teeth treated with a light-cured, unfilled sealant (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Pro Seal can be considered for use as a preventive method to reduce enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontic attachments, particularly in patients who exhibit poor compliance with oral hygiene and home fluoride use.
Hu
Wei
W
Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Featherstone
John D B
JD
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008963:Molar; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011897:Random Allocation; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000009:adverse effects
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; C501632:Pro Seal; D019279:Resin Cements