AIM: Decalcification remains a serious problem when treating patients with a multibracket appliance. The objective of this study was to classify patients with decalcification in terms of where it occurs, and to compare its potential reduction using a smooth surface sealant with a control group with no sealant. We also aimed to discover whether this enamel sealant would affect the incidence of bracket loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients aged 11.6 to 39.5 years (median: 15.9 years) treated at a private orthodontic practice were examined for signs of decalcification within a maximum of 3 months after debonding. The indexing system used for evaluation subdivided the tooth's labial surface into four zones for quantifying the area affected (0-3) and severity of the decalcification (0-3). Preexisting areas of demineralization were excluded based on photographic evidence. We used cumulative logistical regression to investigate the sealant effect. Bracket loss was evaluated according to patient records. RESULTS: In patients with sealed labial surfaces, we observed a significantly reduced level of severity in the areas affected by decalcification (p = 0.013) and the depth of demineralization (p = 0.080). Sealant application reduced the median incidence of bracket loss by half. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Light Bond Reliance, the viscous sealant used in this study, may assist in preventing or reducing the incidence of enamel demineralization. We also noted a correlation between the sealant's use and the incidence of bracket loss in the treatment group.
AIM: Decalcification remains a serious problem when treating patients with a multibracket appliance. The objective of this study was to classify patients with decalcification in terms of where it occurs, and to compare its potential reduction using a smooth surface sealant with a control group with no sealant. We also aimed to discover whether this enamel sealant would affect the incidence of bracket loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients aged 11.6 to 39.5 years (median: 15.9 years) treated at a private orthodontic practice were examined for signs of decalcification within a maximum of 3 months after debonding. The indexing system used for evaluation subdivided the tooth's labial surface into four zones for quantifying the area affected (0-3) and severity of the decalcification (0-3). Preexisting areas of demineralization were excluded based on photographic evidence. We used cumulative logistical regression to investigate the sealant effect. Bracket loss was evaluated according to patient records. RESULTS: In patients with sealed labial surfaces, we observed a significantly reduced level of severity in the areas affected by decalcification (p = 0.013) and the depth of demineralization (p = 0.080). Sealant application reduced the median incidence of bracket loss by half. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Light Bond Reliance, the viscous sealant used in this study, may assist in preventing or reducing the incidence of enamel demineralization. We also noted a correlation between the sealant's use and the incidence of bracket loss in the treatment group.
Authors: Lauren Van Bebber; Phillip M Campbell; Allen L Honeyman; Robert Spears; Peter H Buschang Journal: Angle Orthod Date: 2011-01 Impact factor: 2.079