<i>In vitro</i> Measurement of Enamel Demineralization in the Assessment of Fluoride-leaching Orthodontic Bonding Agents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure in vitro demineralization around orthodontic brackets, bonded with five different bonding agents. Two conventional bonding agents, two fluoride-leaching agents, and a glass ionomer were tested. A sixth group utilized a fluoride varnish after bonding. The amount of dissolved enamel mineral was determined from increases in the phosphorus concentration in the demineralizing solution and measurements were made over a 4 week period. The results confirmed that when fluoride is present in the form of a fluoride-leaching bonding agent or a fluoride varnish, resistance to demineralization is enhanced. Analysis of variance showed that Ketac-cem, Concise with Duraphat, and Pulpdent O.B.A. performed statistically significantly better than Concise, Bond-fast, and Rely-a-bond, in resisting enamel demineralization.