Fluoridated etching on orthodontic bonding.

Enamel demineralization that occurs adjacent to directly bonded orthodontic attachments is of great concern to orthodontists. One procedure suggested to overcome this problem is to use fluoride treatment in an acid etch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength and the debonding interface distribution of adhesive, with and without the use of fluoridated etch on enamel, before bonding. Ten teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), incorporated with 1.23% sodium fluoride (NaF) for 15 seconds. The control group of 10 teeth was etched with the 37% H3PO4 solution for 15 seconds without fluoride. Fluoride on enamel was first detected with scanning auger microscribe/photoelectron spectroscopy in the fluoridated etching group. The brackets were then bonded on the labial surfaces of the crowns of both groups of teeth. The bracketed teeth were tested, with an Instron machine, to determine the tensile bond strength, as well as with a scanning electron microscope, and by mapping with an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer to detect the debonding interfaces. The results showed that the fluoride was found on the enamel after fluoridated etching for 15 seconds. The bond strength and debonding interface distribution between the two groups were not statistically significantly different. Enamel detachment was not present in either group. Hence, the fluoridated etching with 1.23% NaF may have a clinical application in the prevention of demineralization or caries surrounding and under orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel.