Quantitative analysis of enamel on debonded orthodontic brackets.

Introduction: Iatrogenic damage to the tooth surface in the form of enamel tearouts can occur during removal of fixed orthodontic appliances. The aim of this study was to assess debonded metal and ceramic brackets attached with a variety of bonding materials to determine how frequently this type of damage occurs.

Methods: Eighty-one patients close to finishing fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited.

Comparative study of the measurement of enamel demineralization and remineralization using transverse microradiography and electron probe microanalysis.

Transverse microradiography (TMR) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) are commonly used for characterizing dental tissues. TMR utilizes an approximately monochromatic X-ray beam to determine the mass attenuation of the sample, which is converted to volume percent mineral (vol%min). An EPMA stimulates the emission of characteristic X-rays from a variable volume of sample (dependent on density) to provide compositional information.

Characterisation of developmentally hypomineralised human enamel.

Objectives: To investigate and clarify physical and chemical properties of enamel affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH).

Methods: A series of in vitro studies were performed on extracted molars affected by MIH and sound teeth for controls. Tooth sections underwent Vickers microhardness testing before lapping and subsequent transverse microradiographic analysis and examination under polarised light microscopy.

In-vitro study of the effect of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate on iatrogenic damage to enamel during orthodontic adhesive removal.

Introduction: White-spot lesions (WSL) might be susceptible to mechanical damage during orthodontic bracket and adhesive removal. The aims of this in-vitro study were to investigate enamel loss on bracket and adhesive removal when the brackets were surrounded by WSL and to determine the effect of remineralizing these lesions with a 1% (w/v) casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) solution before bracket and adhesive removal.

Methods: Precoated metal mandibular incisor brackets were centrally bonded onto polished third molars and WSL produced by exposure to a demineralization buffer for 4, 12, and 30 days (n = 20 per group).

Effect of added calcium phosphate on enamel remineralization by fluoride in a randomized controlled in situ trial.

Unlabelled: Dental products containing calcium phosphate and fluoride are claimed to enhance enamel remineralization over fluoride products.

Objectives: To compare remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions by dental products with added calcium phosphate in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over in situ study.

Methods: Human enamel specimens with subsurface lesions were prepared and inserted into intra-oral appliances worn by volunteers.

The clinical application of surface pH measurements to longitudinally assess white spot enamel lesions.

Objectives: Means of objectively assessing white spot enamel lesions (WSEL) are critical for determining their potential activity and monitoring the success of preventive treatments. The aim of this study was to determine whether surface pH measurements of WSEL changed during a preventive course of care designed to remineralize the lesions.

Methods: Eight healthy subjects (1 male and 7 females) with at least one WSEL were recruited (19-64 years).

Remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions in situ by the use of three commercially available sugar-free gums.

Background: Commercially available sugar-free chewing gums have been claimed to provide oral health benefits.

Aim: The aim of this randomized, double-blind crossover in situ study was to compare the efficacy of three commercially available sugar-free chewing gums: Trident White, Orbit, and Orbit Professional, in remineralizing enamel subsurface lesions in situ.

Design: Specimens containing enamel subsurface lesions were sectioned into test and control half-slabs with the test half-slabs inserted into removable palatal appliances.