Comparative assessment of resistance to enamel demineralization after orthodontic banding with three different cements- An in vitro study

Abstract

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to compare the resistance to enamel demineralization after banding with three orthodontic cements, namely Zinc Phosphate, Zinc Polycarboxylateand Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement [RMGI] (Fuji Ortho Band Pak, GC). Materials and Methods: 80 premolars were selected, cleaned, dried and divided into four groups. Group A was a Control group. Group B, C and D were banded with the stainless steel bands using the respective cements. The teeth were then placed in deionized water for one month. They were debanded, cleaned and placed in artificial demineralizing solution for four weeks. Afterwards, they were cleaned and placed in methylene blue for 24 hours to check the amount of demineralization. The teeth were cut buccolingually and observed under the Motic Image Digital microscope. For analysis, the depth of dye penetration was measured in µm, which was considered as the depth of sub superficial demineralization. Results: RMGI cement showed significantly lower amount of demineralization (6.68 ±3.02µm) compared to the Zinc Polycarboxylate cement group (18.08± 5.83µm). The Zinc Phosphate cement group(55.36±8.67µm) and the Control group(76.72±18.83µm) demonstrated the greatest depth of enamel demineralization. Overall comparison showed a statistically significant difference (F=187.97, p