0898 Light-Cured Filled Sealant Prevented Enamel Demineralization around

Orthodontic Brackets
A.R. PATEL , I.S. MUGISA , P.T. GAKUNGA , J.P. HATCH , and B.T. AMAECHI , University of Texas -
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San Antonio / Health Science Ctr, San Antonio, TX, UAB School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL
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Objective: Formation of whitespot lesions around orthodontic brackets during treatment is a significant
clinical and esthetic problem. The aims of the present study were to determine (1) the efficacy of light-
cured filled sealant, Pro-Seal, in the prevention of enamel demineralization around orthodontic
brackets, and (2) the ability of the sealant to withstand toothbrushing force. Methods: Using self-
etching primer, lower incisor brackets were bonded to each of sixty enamel blocks cut from extracted
human teeth. All surfaces of each block were painted with two coats of non-fluorescent, colorless,
acid-resistant nail-varnish, except for ring of exposed enamel (1mm from bracket edge) around the
bracket. Elastomeric ligature was placed on each bracket and then the blocks were randomly assigned
to four groups (15/group) treated respectively as follows: Group-A, no Pro-Seal applied and no
toothbrushing; Group-B, no Pro-Seal but toothbrushed; Group-C, Pro-Seal applied on the ring of
exposed enamel surface in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction but no toothbrushing;
Group-D, Pro-Seal and toothbrushed. Blocks were subjected to 14-day period of plaque formation and
demineralization in a continuous flow Microbial Caries Model. Demineralization was quantified using
quantitative light-induced fluorescence. Data were statistically analyzed (α=0.05) using Bonferroni
protected Mann-Whitney tests to identify pairwise differences. Results:

Groups Treatment Mean Q±SD

(n=15) (%.mm ) 2

A No Pro-Seal, No toothbrushing 184.50±56.4

B No Pro-Seal, Toothbrushed 70.66±50.6

C Pro-Seal, No toothbrushing 0.86±0.8

D Pro-Seal, Toothbrushed 2.58±2.2

Groups B, C, and D showed less demineralization (p<0.001) when compared with Group A. Groups
with Pro Seal (C, D) exhibited less demineralization (p<0.001) when compared to Group B
(toothbrushed only). No significant difference was observed between the brushed and unbrushed Pro-
Seal groups, indicating that the abrasion of toothbrushing did not significantly compromise the barrier
to demineralization. Conclusions: Pro-Seal inhibited enamel demineralization around orthodontic
brackets and demonstrated considerable resistance to the force of toothbrushing.