Clinical effect of a fluoride-releasing and rechargeable primer in reducing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment

Introduction: This study was performed to test the long-term efficacy of a highly filled resin primer (38%) that has superior fluoride release and recharge ability. Methods: Sixty patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, adhesive-coated brackets (APC Plus Victory series, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were bonded with a fluoride-releasing and rechargeable primer (Opal Seal; Ultradent, South Jordan, Utah). In group 2, the same adhesive-coated brackets were bonded with a conventional primer (Transbond XT Primer; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). In group 1, a blacklight source was used to examine the amount of adhesive remaining on enamel surfaces. This primer has a fluorescing agent and fluoresces under blacklight. If there was a lack of primer on any part of the enamel surrounding the brackets, new primer was added. Digital images of each tooth were taken to score and measure the area of white spot lesions (WSLs) after orthodontic treatment. DIAGNOdent (DIAGNOdent pen; KaVo Dental, Biberach, Germany) measurements were also used to assess WSLs after bracket removal. Results: The WSL rate was 26.9% for group 1 and 29% for group 2. There was no significant difference between the WSL scores of the groups; however, a significant difference was observed in the DIAGNOdent measurements between the groups. According to area measurements of the lesions, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions:The results of this long-term clinical study indicated that fluoride-releasing primer has no significant advantage in reducing demineralization over the control primer over the full orthodontic treatment period.