title: The influence of protective varnish on the integrity of orthodontic cements.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of saliva contamination over the structural strength and integrity of conventional glass-ionomer cements used for cementing orthodontic bands in the absence and presence of a surface-protecting varnish.
  
  
  METHODS
  48 samples were prepared by inserting 3 types of glass-ionomer cements into standardized metallic matrixes with 10 mm of diameter and 2 mm of depth. The cements used were: Meron (VOCO), Ketac-Cem (3M ESPE) and Vidrion C (DFL), all of which comprised groups A, B and C, respectively. Subgroups A1, B1 and C1 comprised samples with no surface protection, whereas subgroups A2, B2 and C2 comprised samples of which surface was coated with Cavitine varnish (SS White), after cement manipulation and application, in order to protect the cement applied. All samples were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours at 37°C. A Vickers diamond micro-durometer was used to produce indentations on the non-treated group (non-varnished) and the treated group (varnished).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Varnished materials had significantly higher microhardness values in comparison to non-varnished materials. Ketac-Cem had the highest microhardness value among the varnished materials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Varnish application is necessary to preserve the cement and avoid enamel decalcification. Glass-ionomer cements should be protected in order to fully keep their properties, thus contributing to dental health during orthodontic treatment.
authors.forename: Erika Machado
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Caldeira
authors.forename: Antonio de Moraes
authors.initials: Ade M
authors.lastname: Izquierdo
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giacomet
authors.forename: Eduardo Franzotti
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Sant'Anna
authors.forename: Antônio Carlos de Oliveira
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ruellas
mesh_terms: D018130:Diamond / Q000737:chemistry; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement / Q000737:chemistry; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; C488845:Meron; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D020011:Protective Agents; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; C090880:Vidrion F; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D018130:Diamond; C040235:Ketac-cem; D015034:Zinc Oxide
keywords: Artificial saliva; Glass-ionomer cements; Microhardness