Effects of Acidic Environments on Dental Structures after Bracket Debonding

Abstract

Brackets are metallic dental devices that are very often associated with acidic soft drinks such as cola and energy drinks. Acid erosion may affect the bonding between brackets and the enamel surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of brackets’ adhesion, in the presence of two different commercially available drinks. Sixty human teeth were divided into six groups and bonded with either resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) or resin composite (CR). A shared bond test (SBS) was evaluated by comparing two control groups with four other categories, in which teeth were immersed in either Coca-ColaTM or Red BullTM energy drink. The debonding between the bracket and enamel was evaluated by SEM. The morphological aspect correlated with SBS results showed the best results for the samples exposed to artificial saliva. The best adhesion resistance to the acid erosion environment was observed in the group of teeth immersed in Red BullTM and with brackets bonded with RMGIC. The debonded structures were also exposed to Coca-ColaTM and Red BullTM to assess, by atomic force microscopy investigation (AFM), the erosive effect on the enamel surface after debonding and after polishing restoration. The results showed a significant increase in surface roughness due to acid erosion. Polishing restoration of the enamel surface significantly reduced the surface roughness that resulted after debonding, and inhibited acid erosion. The roughness values obtained from polished samples after exposure to Coca-ColaTM and Red BullTM were significantly lower in that case than for the debonded structures. Statistical results evaluating roughness showed that Red BullTM has a more erosive effect than Coca-Cola™. This result is supported by the large contact surface that resulted after debonding. In conclusion, the prolonged exposure of the brackets to acidic drinks affected the bonding strength due to erosion propagation into both the enamel–adhesive interface and the bonding layer. The best resistance to acid erosion was obtained by RMGIC.

Chemical and Structural Assessment of New Dental Composites with Graphene Exposed to Staining Agents

“…Wine affects the structure of resin composites and teeth due to its alcohol content, which causes increased surface roughness and erosion in composites [ 19 , 20 ]. Lower pH values of coloured media has been reported to increase staining, possible by favouring degradation of the polymer chain [ 43 , 44 ]. Some studies have reported that colour changes are influenced by increased surface roughness allowing stain penetration [ 39 ].…”

Recent Advances in Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Innovative Materials in Removal of Water Contaminants

“…The study of Iosif et al [26] is focused on the orthodontic bracket's interaction with an acidic environment, induced by regular consumption of soft drinks and energy drinks, and the enamel quality after debonding. It was found that the adhesive layer has the most important role in properly binding the brackets to the enamel surface [26]. Two categories of adhesives were investigated: resin-modified glass ionomer and resin composite adhesives [26].…”

“…It was found that the adhesive layer has the most important role in properly binding the brackets to the enamel surface [26]. Two categories of adhesives were investigated: resin-modified glass ionomer and resin composite adhesives [26]. It was observed that the resin-modified glass ionomer is more resistant in an acidic environment, assuring a better bond strength than the resin composite because of better insulation of the filler particles, preventing their direct contact with acids in soft drinks [26].…”

“…It was observed that the resin-modified glass ionomer is more resistant in an acidic environment, assuring a better bond strength than the resin composite because of better insulation of the filler particles, preventing their direct contact with acids in soft drinks [26]. The SEM and AFM complex investigations of the enamel surface, after bracket debonding and exposure to acidic environments, reveal that it is more affected by soft drinks containing phosphoric acid after resin composite debonding and by energy drinks with citric acid content after resin-modified glass ionomer debonding [26]. Additionally, it was found that proper polishing of the enamel surface after debonding assures good protection against further erosion [26].…”

“…The SEM and AFM complex investigations of the enamel surface, after bracket debonding and exposure to acidic environments, reveal that it is more affected by soft drinks containing phosphoric acid after resin composite debonding and by energy drinks with citric acid content after resin-modified glass ionomer debonding [26]. Additionally, it was found that proper polishing of the enamel surface after debonding assures good protection against further erosion [26].…”