Enamel demineralization around two different orthodontic bracket adhesive systems: An in vivo study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the enamel demineralization around the two precoated adhesive bracket systems, APC Flash-Free and APC PLUS (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), in clinical settings. Material and methodThis prospective experimental in-vivo study included 40 premolar teeth, which were planned for extraction due to orthodontic purposes. They were divided into two groups (Group A; n = 20 teeth were bonded with APC Flash Free ceramic brackets and group B; n = 20 teeth were bonded with APC Plus ceramic bracket). After four weeks, the teeth were extracted, sectioned, and examined under the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to evaluate the amount of demineralization from the enamel surface to the deepest point. ResultsFindings revealed that the mean values of demineralization under SEM were significantly higher in APC Plus compared to APC Flash Free (149.95 µm vs. 112.96 µm, respectively) (P < 0.05). The difference between the two systems was mainly found in the middle part of the facial surfaces, while there were no differences between the two systems in the proximal parts. ConclusionThe enamel demineralization around APC Flash-Free adhesive bracket system was significantly less than that of APC plus Adhesive bracket system, which can be due to the absence of the caries promoting adhesive flash during tooth bonding using the flash free system.