The Fluoride Recharging Capability of Orthodontic Materials: an in-vitro study

Abstract

The Fluoride Recharging Capability of Orthodontic Materials: an in-vitro study By Christine Marie Farah, D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Thesis Director: Eser Tufekci, D.D.S., MS, Ph. D. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics Enamel demineralization in the form of white spot lesions (WSLs) around fixed orthodontic appliances is a persistent problem in patients with poor oral hygiene.These lesions can form rapidly within 4 weeks of bracket placement.The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the fluoride recharging capability ofa commercially available orthodontic primer used to minimize the development of WSLs in patients. The three groups tested were: Opal Seal (n=20, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT), Pro Seal (n=20, Reliance, Itasca, IL) and Transbond XT (control, n=10, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA). The samples(5mmin diameter x 1mm in thickness) weresuspended individually in vials filled with 10mL of deionized water usinga fishing line. The baseline fluoride ion release from all of the samples was measured after two weeks of changing the solution every other day. The samples were then randomly divided into two groups, toothbrush or gel. The samples in the toothbrush group were brushed for one minute every day for 7d, with fluoride containing toothpaste (Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY) and placed in a new solution after each brushing. After 7d of brushing the fluoride ion release was measured. The samples in the gel group were