Abstract
The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of toothpastes, with different compositions, on optical and morphological features of sound and demineralized enamel. We selected twenty-five teeth, recently extracted for orthodontic purposes, for this in vitro study. The teeth were caries free, without stains, fissures, filling or hypoplasia observed at inspection under standard conditions. Teeth were brushed (for 2–3 min, twice a day, for 21 days), with five different toothpastes (four commercially available and an experimental one) containing fluoride and hydroxyapatite. After that, teeth were demineralized with 37% orthophosforic acid (Ultra Etch®, Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA) for 60 s. We repeated the brushing protocol for another 21 days on demineralized enamel. Enamel vestibular surfaces were examined using a spectrophotometer (Vita EasyShade -Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (Inspect S®, FEI Company, Hillsboro, OR, USA). Differences were statistically significant for colour parameters L* and ΔE*. SEM evaluation reveals demineralized enamel mineral gain after brushing with selected toothpastes. Toothpastes with specific ingredients can represent a balance between aesthetic and mineralization, and an oral hygiene correct algorithm is able to preserve enamel characteristics during ortodontic treatement with fixed appliances.
Highlights
The preference for bright white teeth and promotion of dental and facial aesthetics in the media has contributed to an increase in patient interest for healthy and beautiful teeth
After demineralization and brushing (T3) L* parameter express values less important compared to Treatment 2 (T2), but the changes are noticeable when compared to Treatment 1 (T1)
A three-phase system is formed by the tooth surface, the toothbrush bristles, and the abrasives between these is responsible for dental plaque and discoloration removal
Summary
The preference for bright white teeth and promotion of dental and facial aesthetics in the media has contributed to an increase in patient interest for healthy and beautiful teeth. Especially in the course of orthodontic treatment, whitening procedures require caution and for this reason, dental specialists recommended the use of specific dentifrice and accurate brushing technique in order to preserve enamel structural characteristics and appearance [1]. For the duration of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, tooth enamel is often at an elevated risk of stains, white spot lesions, caries and dental sensitivity, due to carbonated beverage. Materials 2019, 12, 2610 and food stagnation, facilitated by the appliance and deficient oral hygiene. These factors act on sound enamel and on enamel subjected to adhesives techniques for orthodontic bonding.
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