title: In vitro study of the potential protection of sound enamel against demineralization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this study was to study the potential protection effect of different treatments against sound enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is an in vitro randomized controlled study; artificial enamel demineralization of human premolars was created and compared with reference to control. The three materials used for enamel treatment were resin infiltrate (ICON), fluoridated varnish (Clinpro), and the self-etch primer system (Transbond Plus Self-Etch Primer). Fifty premolars divided equally into five groups were included in the study for quantitative surface micro-hardness assessment using a micro-hardness tester (MHT). Qualitative assessment of the enamel demineralization with a polarized light microscope (PLM) was also used. Enamel was demineralized by subjecting the specimens to cycling between artificial saliva solution and a demineralizing solution for 21 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean Vickers hardness in kgf/mm(2) was as follows: intact enamel = 352.5 ± 13.8, demineralized enamel = 301.6 ± 34.0, enamel treated with Clinpro = 333.6 ± 18.0, enamel treated with SEP = 370.7 ± 38.8, and enamel treated with ICON = 380.5 ± 53.8.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ICON, Clinpro, and Transbond Plus Self-Etch Primer (TPSEP) increased enamel resistance to demineralization. Attempting to protect the enamel around the orthodontic brackets could be done by applying a preventive material before bonding, if not compromising the bond strength, the orthodontic brackets.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry 35516, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, mmontasser11@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mona A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Montasser
authors.forename: Noha A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: El-Wassefy
authors.forename: Mahasen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taha
mesh_terms: D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011897:Random Allocation; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012117:Resins, Synthetic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; C500418:Clinpro Sealant; D003188:Composite Resins; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D019279:Resin Cements; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; C429625:Transbond Plus Self-Etching Primer; C578177:icon infiltrant