Aim: To evaluate the effect of a fluoride releasing light cured resin coat on the mineralization and survival rate of orthodontic brackets.
Methods: Metal brackets (n=360) were bonded to the teeth mesial to the first molars in 20 patients. A split-mouth design was used to randomly allocate diagonally opposite quadrants and Ortho-Choice Ortho-Coat was applied to half of the teeth after bonding. The bracket bond survival rate was assessed afterwards for a period of 12 months. Enamel mineralization was evaluated using Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent).
Results: Ortho-Coat significantly reduced enamel demineralization. No significant difference was found in bracket bond survival rates, with and without application of Ortho-Coat. The highest survival rates were recorded on incisors (96.2% with coat and 94.6% without a coat). The lowest survival rates were recorded on premolars (91.7% with coat and 88.3% without a coat).
Clinical Significance: Ortho-Coat effectively prevents enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets over a 12-month period, but it has no pronounced effects on enhancing the bracket bond survival rate.