Evaluation of the effects of different types of adhesives on enamel demineralization during fixed orthodontic treatment

Aim: This randomised controlled split-mouth study was aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a fluoride-containing adhesive (Clearfil Tri-S Bond Plus, Kuraray Noritake, Otemachi, Japan) and a conventional adhesive (3M Unitek Transbond XT, Maplewood, USA) on enamel demineralisation in orthodontically treated patients. Methods: Sixteen healthy patients who had need for correction of dental crowding were included in the study. Bracket bonding was performed using different adhesives (fluoride-containing and conventional) at random for opposite half jaw in a split-mouth design. 190 control, 190 experimental teeth were examined for bracket failure, gingival index, plaque index and enamel mineralisation parameters. Enamel mineralisation levels for each tooth for pre- and post-treatment time periods were examined using ICDASII (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) criteria and the DIAGNOdent Pen (KaVo, Biberach, Germany). Results: DIAGNOdent scores were statistically higher in the left half jaw which were control group (C) in left handed patients (p=0.038), while the scores were found to be significantly higher in the right handed patient which ipsilateral jaw were experimental group (E) (p=0.003). Conclusions: The effect of fluoride-containing adhesive on enamel demineralization and WSL (white spot lesion) formation was found to be no different than the conventional adhesive.