Effects of Three Different Topical Agents on Enamel Demineralization around Orthodontic Brackets: A Clinical Study

Placement of fixed appliances is still unfortunately linked with a high risk of developing white spot lesions, in spite of advances in orthodontic materials and treatment techniques [1,2]. During orthodontic treatment, plaque accumulation is frequently inevitable around the brackets because of inadequate oral hygiene which is very common in pubertal people [2]. Dental plaque is a biofilm produced by a bacterial community that may be composed of over 700 species. One of the main components of this plaque is Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which is also considered to be the primary etiologic agent of plaque formation and human dental caries by interacting with other streptococci [1-3]. Consequently, patients with fixed orthodontic appliances have an elevated risk of tooth caries, and enamel lesions can occur within a month, despite mechanical plaque control trials and whether or not fluoridated dentifrice is used [3,4]. The incidence of white spot lesions in patients treated with fixed appliances was reported to be up to 50% [5,6].