In vitro effect of experimental nanocomposites solutions on the prevention of dental caries around orthodontic brackets.

Karla Lorene De França Leite,Thiago Isidro Vieira,Aline De Almeida Neves,Andréa Fonseca-Gonçalves,Lucianne Cople Maia,Adílis Kalina Alexandria,Ricardo Tadeu Lopes,Matheus Melo Pithon,Raphael Ferreira Da Silva,Lúcio Mendes Cabral,Aline Saddock De Sá Silva,Yuri Wanderley Cavalcanti

doi:10.1590/0103-6440202104331

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a single application of experimental nanocomposite solutions on the prevention of dental caries around orthodontic brackets. The specimens were exposed to mesoporous silica (MS) nanocomposites containing fluoride by association with titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) or sodium fluoride (NaF). Nanocomposites also could contain calcium and groups were described as MSCaTiF4, MSTiF4, MSCaNaF, MSNaF, and controls (TiF4, and NaF). Specimens were subjected to the formation of a multispecies biofilm to generate a cariogenic challenge. After 24h, both pH and total soluble fluoride concentration of the culture medium were assessed. Mineral loss was evaluated by percentage of surface mineral loss (%SML), mineral volume variation (ΔZ) of inner enamel and polarized light microscopy (PL). Linear (Ra) and volumetric (Sa) surface roughness and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were used to assess enamel topography. Statistical analyses were conducted considering p<0.05. MSNaF had the highest value of culture medium pH after cariogenic challenge, similarly to MSTiF4. All nanocomposite solutions released less fluoride than their controls NaF and TiF4 (p<0.05). All nanocomposite solutions presented lower %SML compared to their respective control groups (p<0.05). Lower Ra, Sa and ΔZ were observed for experimental groups compared to TiF4 (p<0.05). The results were confirmed by PL and SEM analysis. The experimental nanocomposite solutions contributed for lower enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets.

Highlights

Patients who wear fixed orthodontic appliances may have problems with dental hygiene because of biofilm accumulation [1]
Study Design Given the paucity of previous studies on the topic, this randomized, controlled, single-blind, in vitro study took into account a sample size (n=13 per group) based on the mineral loss of compounds containing calcium and fluoride [16,17]
All other solutions were manipulated in order to present similar fluoride concentration to that observed in 1% TiF4 usually used in clinical practice

Summary

Introduction

Patients who wear fixed orthodontic appliances may have problems with dental hygiene because of biofilm accumulation [1]. Poor hygiene puts patients at risk for the development of carious lesions, and products aimed at reducing demineralization are recommended [2]. Decalcification of the enamel surface adjacent to orthodontic brackets, observed in the form of white spot lesions, is frequent well-known side-effect of orthodontic treatment. Fixed orthodontic appliances and the bonding materials increase the biofilm retention and enhance the formation of white spot lesions [1,2]. Orthodontic patients at high risk of dental caries should be instructed for appropriate and frequent oral hygiene regime with the use of fluoride-based agents, including the complementary use of mouthwashes to enhance remineralization [3]. Fluoride- and calcium-based products, either in association or alone, have been used to minimize enamel demineralization [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion