0898 Light-Cured Filled Sealant Prevented Enamel

Demineralization around Orthodontic Brackets

A.R. PATEL , I.S. MUGISA , P.T. GAKUNGA , J.P. HATCH , and B.T. AMAECHI ,
1 2 1 1 1

University of Texas - San Antonio / Health Science Ctr, San Antonio, TX, UAB
1 2

School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL

Objective: Formation of whitespot lesions around orthodontic brackets during

treatment is a significant clinical and esthetic problem. The aims of the present
study were to determine (1) the efficacy of light-cured filled sealant, Pro-Seal,
in the prevention of enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets, and
(2) the ability of the sealant to withstand toothbrushing force. Methods: Using
self-etching primer, lower incisor brackets were bonded to each of sixty enamel
blocks cut from extracted human teeth. All surfaces of each block were painted
with two coats of non-fluorescent, colorless, acid-resistant nail-varnish, except
for ring of exposed enamel (1mm from bracket edge) around the bracket.
Elastomeric ligature was placed on each bracket and then the blocks were
randomly assigned to four groups (15/group) treated respectively as follows:
Group-A, no Pro-Seal applied and no toothbrushing; Group-B, no Pro-Seal but
toothbrushed; Group-C, Pro-Seal applied on the ring of exposed enamel surface
in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction but no toothbrushing; Group-
D, Pro-Seal and toothbrushed. Blocks were subjected to 14-day period of
plaque formation and demineralization in a continuous flow Microbial Caries
Model. Demineralization was quantified using quantitative light-induced
fluorescence. Data were statistically analyzed (α=0.05) using Bonferroni
protected Mann-Whitney tests to identify pairwise differences. Results:

Groups Treatment Mean Q±SD

(n=15) (%.mm ) 2

A No Pro-Seal, No toothbrushing 184.50±56.4

B No Pro-Seal, Toothbrushed 70.66±50.6
C Pro-Seal, No toothbrushing 0.86±0.8
D Pro-Seal, Toothbrushed 2.58±2.2

Groups B, C, and D showed less demineralization (p<0.001) when compared

with Group A. Groups with Pro Seal (C, D) exhibited less demineralization
(p<0.001) when compared to Group B (toothbrushed only). No significant
difference was observed between the brushed and unbrushed Pro-Seal groups,
indicating that the abrasion of toothbrushing did not significantly compromise
the barrier to demineralization. Conclusions: Pro-Seal inhibited enamel
demineralization around orthodontic brackets and demonstrated considerable
resistance to the force of toothbrushing.

Seq #131 - Caries Management, Sealants

2:45 PM-3:45 PM, Friday, April 4, 2008 Hilton Anatole Hotel Trinity I - Exhibit
Hall