FLUORIDE RELEASED FROM ORTHODONTIC BONDING AGENTS ALTERS THE ENAMEL SURFACE AND INHIBITS ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION IN-VITRO

In this study, we examined two fluoride-releasing orthodontic agents i n respect to fluoride release, enamel demineralization inhibition, as well as alterations observed on the enamel surface after their use. Fl uoride release was found to occur in the highest concentrations within the first 24 hours for both materials examined. After this period, a dramatic decline in fluoride release was observed in both adhesives, a nd after 90 days no fluoride was detectable. Both fluoride-releasing m aterials showed significant differences on enamel demineralization aro und the brackets when compared with a conventional adhesive, and the a gent with the initial higher amounts of fluoride release showed the be st results. Scanning electron microscopy of the enamel surface reveale d particle depositions of microglobular form, after the examined adhes ives were used. These particles most likely represent deposition of ca lcium fluoride, a salt with clearly cariostatic properties. The result s of this in vitro study show that certain fluoride-releasing orthodon tic bonding systems may provide an additional degree of safety against caries susceptibility in patients with fixed appliances for a limited period.