Enamel loss associated with orthodontic adhesive removal on teeth with white spot lesions: an in vitro study.

Abstract

Teeth with white spot lesions (WSL) might be more prone to enamel loss during bracket debonding. This in vitro study compared enamel loss from teeth with (n = 14) and without (n = 14) WSL after polishing with low-speed finishing burs or disks (Sof-Lex, 3M ESPE, St Paul, Minn). Debonded surfaces were analyzed with a contact stylus profilometer, and digitized data were compared with baseline readings by using AnSur NT software (Regents, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn). Specimen surfaces were also examined with a scanning electron microscope. Two-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the data. In teeth without WSL, the volume losses were 0.16 mm(3) for the bur group and 0.10 mm(3) for the disk group; the mean maximum depths were 47.7 microm for the bur group and 54.3 microm for the disk group. In teeth with WSL, the volume losses were 0.06 and 0.17 mm(3), and the mean maximum depths were 35.1 and 48.7 microm for the bur and disk groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in enamel loss between the 2 groups of teeth without WSL (P =.12). However, in teeth with WSL, the burs removed less enamel than the disks (P = 0.006). Scanning electron microscope examination showed that any damage on the enamel surface was usually located in the cervical third of the teeth. On most specimens, even though tooth surfaces appeared resin-free to the naked eye, there were remnants of it. The differences between groups were so small that they might be clinically insignificant.

• Authors: Eser Tüfekçi, Thomas E Merrill, Maria R Pintado, John P Beyer, William A Brantley
• Journal: American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop) Vol. 125 Issue 6 Pg. 733-9 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0889-5406 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15179398 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Analysis of Variance
• Bicuspid
• Dental Caries (complications)
• Dental Debonding (adverse effects, instrumentation, methods)
• Dental Enamel (injuries)
• Dental Polishing (adverse effects, instrumentation)
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Orthodontic Brackets
• Surface Properties
• Tooth Injuries (etiology)