Effect of chlorhexidine mouthwashes on periodontal parameters and extrinsic tooth staining in orthodontic patients.

Introduction: Periodontal health and biofilm control are primordial to success in orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on periodontal status and extrinsic tooth staining in orthodontic patients.

Methods: Thirty-three patients of both sexes, aged 11-33 years, under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances at <16 months, were randomly distributed into 2 groups.

Time reduction of light curing: Influence on conversion degree and microhardness of orthodontic composites.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of curing time and power on the degree of conversion and surface microhardness of 3 orthodontic composites.

Methods: One hundred eighty discs, 6 mm in diameter, were divided into 3 groups of 60 samples according to the composite used-Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), Opal Bond MV (Ultradent, South Jordan, Utah), and Transbond Plus Color Change (3M Unitek)- and each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20). Five samples were used to measure conversion, and 15 were used to measure microhardness.