Color changes associated with Proseal

Abstract

This in-vitro study was conducted to evaluate enamel color changes associated with the use of a highly-filled, fluoridereleasing enamel sealant (Proseal). A sample of 60 freshly extracted premolar teeth were collected according to clear selection criteria. The teeth were randomly divided into a control and three experimental groups.Brackets were bonded to the teeth using Transbond XT composite paste in only two of the experimental groups after conditioning the whole buccal surface with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. In Group I, Transbond XT primer was applied to the etched enamel surface while Proseal enamel sealant was applied in Group II. In Group III, Proseal enamel sealant was applied to the etched enamel surface with no bracket bonding. The samples were then subjected to a staining and photo aging protocol in an attempt to simulate the oral environment. In groups I and II, brackets were debonded and then the enamel surface was finished and polished using a 12-fluted carbide burs on low speed followed by rubber cup and polishing paste. Samples in Group III and the control group received only enamel polishing. Enamel color was spectrophotometrically evaluated at three intervals; at baseline (T0), following debonding and finishing (T1), and after resubjecting the samples to the same staining and photo aging protocol (T3). CIE L*, a*, b* order system was used for color quantification and color differences (∆E) were calculated.