during Orthodontic Treatment: An in Vivo Evaluation

as well as by an increase in susceptibility to caries due to dissolution of the highly calcified prismless enamel by acid etching, or it could be attributed to reduced self-eleaning activity in the area around the bracket base. Recently, glass ionomer cement (GIC)iii-iS) has been used as an adhesive material for the purpose of enamel protection beeause no etching is required for application. However, it is nevertheless difficult for patients to maintain an adequate level of oral hygiene throughout the bracketing period. Indeed, since the direct bonding method was introdueed, we have seen many cases of earies and deealcification. Previously, Miwa et at,i9/' reported on the application of a direct }aminate veneer (veneer) as a pretreatment for the bracket bonding procedure. Direet laminate veneer consisted of resin and glass ionomer eement; no acid etching or other invasive treatments to the enamel were required (Fig,1). In addition, this veneer exhibited sufficient bond strength during the treatment period. However, there have been no in vivo evaluations of the enamel protective effect of the veneer against