Efficacy of Light-Activated Sealant on Enamel Demineralization in Orthodontic Patients: An Atomic Force Microscope Evaluation

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of (Pro Seal) sealant in preventing enamel decalcification in-vivo and compare its effect with fluoride varnish and unfilled sealant using atomic force microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight orthodontic patients who were candidates for extraction of all first premolars for orthodontic treatment were recruited to this study. Thirty two premolars (upper and lower) were randomly divided into four groups (n=8) for each group, 4 maxillary and 4 mandibular); Control (no -treatment); Fluoride varnish, Unfilled sealant (Light Bond) and filled sealant (Pro-Seal). After two months the brackets were debonded and the teeth were extracted and prepared for Atomic force microscopic scanning. Each sample was scanned twice at two different scan areas 50 and 10µm at the buccal cervical third of the crown. Images were recorded with slow scan rate and resolution and the mean roughness height and total surface area were calculated for each scan area. Comparison between groups was performed using one way analysis of variance test with level of significance was set to be 0.05. RESULTS Pro Seal treated samples show the lowest roughness height and total surface area. CONCLUSION Pro Seal was the most effective prophylaxis technique in preventing enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment.