Fluorescence-Aided Identification Technique (FIT) Improves Tooth Surface Clean-Up after Debonding of Buccal and Lingual Orthodontic Appliances.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of fluorescence inducing light to aid the clean-up of tooth surfaces after bracket removal when using buccal or lingual orthodontic appliances. Two full sets of dental arches using extracted human teeth were assembled, with 14 teeth per arch. All teeth were bonded on their buccal and lingual surfaces. After debonding, a single blinded operator performed the tooth surface clean-up, as commonly performed in clinical practice; without the use of fluorescent light (non-FIT) and with two methods using fluorescent light to identify composite remnants on the tooth surfaces (FIT; OPAL and BRACE). Tooth surfaces were scanned before bonding and after clean-up, and the two scans were superimposed using the best-fit method. The results showed that the debonding method, type of tooth and type of tooth surface had a significant effect on the presence of composite remnants, enamel defects, and on debonding time. Contrary to the non-FIT method, there were no composite remnants after clean-up with the use of fluorescence inducing light. Clean-up time was significantly reduced on the buccal surfaces when using the FIT methods. On the lingual surfaces, the FIT methods resulted in larger enamel defects.

Composite materials: composition, properties and clinical applications. A literature review.

Various composite materials are available today for direct restorative techniques. The most well-known materials are the hybrid composites. This technology, based on methacrylates and different types of filler coupled with silanes, has been continuously improved. Disadvantages such as polymerisation shrinkage, bacterial adhesion and side effects due to monomer release still remain. The aim of material development is to eliminate or at least reduce these negative factors by adapting the individual components of the material. With ormocers, the methacrylate has been partially replaced by an inorganic network. According to recent studies, the biocompatibility was not improved in all cases. The development of compomer was an attempt to combine the positive properties of glassionomers with composite technology. This has only partially succeeded, because the fluoride release is low. In an in-situ study, a caries protective effect could be shown at least in the first days following filling placement with concurrent extra-oral demineralisation. By replacing the chain-monomers in the composite matrix by ring-shaped molecules, a new approach to reduce polymerisation shrinkage was investigated. A new group of materials, the siloranes, has been developed. Siloranes are hydrophobic and need to be bonded to the dental hard tissue using a special adhesive system. Long-term clinical studies are still needed to prove the superiority of this new group of materials over modern hybrid composites.

Evaluation of a Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) to assist clean-up after orthodontic bracket debonding.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT) with a conventional light source (CLS) for removing composite during debonding of brackets with respect to time needed, composite remnants, and tooth substance loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve maxillary models with 10 bovine teeth each were digitally surface-scanned and metal brackets were bonded on each tooth with Opal Seal and Opal Bond. Two operators: an experienced orthodontist (A) and an undergraduate student (B) received six models each and were asked to remove the composite remnants with a tungsten carbide bur and Sof-Lex discs by both a conventional light source (CLS group, n = 3), and fluorescent inducing light (FIT group, n = 3). The time taken was recorded, and a postoperative scan was digitally superimposed on the preoperative scan to quantify number of teeth with composite remnants and volume and thickness of enamel loss and composite remnants. Chi-square test and independent t-tests were performed to compare methods with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Compared to CLS, both operators needed significantly less time when using the FIT method and degree of enamel loss, height, and volume of composite remnants and total remaining composite remnants were significantly reduced. By FIT, the volume of enamel loss was significantly reduced for operator A only. Operator B removed the same enamel volume with either method. CONCLUSIONS: Cleanup after orthodontic debonding with the FIT was superior regarding time needed and removal of composite remnants. Total enamel loss reduction was operator-dependent.