Inhibition of enamel demineralization by an enamel sealant, Pro Seal: an in-vitro study.
BACKGROUND
Enamel demineralization adjacent to fixed orthodontic appliances compromises both esthetics and oral health. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new enamel sealant, Pro Seal (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), on inhibiting enamel demineralization. Two materials that have demonstrated success in white spot prevention and do not require patient compliance were used for comparison.


METHODS
Thirty-two noncarious extracted molars were divided into 4 groups and received 1 of the following treatments: no treatment (control), fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector; Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, Mass), unfilled resin sealant (Delton; Dentsply Professional, York, Pa), and filled resin sealant (Pro Seal). The teeth were subjected to 15,000 simulated brush strokes followed by acidic challenge for 96 hours. They were examined macroscopically and sectioned for quantitative examination with polarized light microscopy.


RESULTS
All surface treatments provided statistically significant (P <.05) reductions in lesion depth compared with controls. Pro Seal performed significantly better (P <.05) than the other products, decreasing lesion depth by 97% compared with the controls and completely inhibiting lesion formation in 3 specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Pro Seal shows promise as an effective method of preventing enamel demineralization without patient compliance.
Buren
Jennifer Loucks
JL
Department of Orthodontics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA. orthojenni@hotmail.com
Staley
Robert N
RN
Wefel
James
J
Qian
Fang
F
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012821:Silanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011140:Polyurethanes; C501632:Pro Seal; D019279:Resin Cements; D012821:Silanes; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; C022599:Fluor Protector