Remineralization of White Spot Lesions with Bioactive Glass Air Abrasion

Objectives: To investigate the capability of bioactive glass air abrasion in remineralization of enamel.
Methods: Fifty extracted human teeth are subjected to a demineralizing solution of 2.2 mM calcium chloride, 2.2 mM monopotassium phosphate, 0.05 mM acetic acid adjusted to pH of 4.4 using 1 M potassium hydroxide for 96 hours to create artificial WSLs on their labial surfaces. The teeth is then analyzed by QLF to record a base mineral status. After induction of demineralization, the presence of the artificial WSLs are then verified by QLF and surface characteristics and roughness via SEM. The percentage of fluorescence change is used to confirm whether demineralization has taken place. Pre-treatment surface roughness is recorded by surface profilometry. All teeth samples are subjected to bioglass air abrasion. Subsequently, they are divided into two groups of 25 teeth. The teeth then undergo thermal treatment at intraoral temperatures of 37°C. In addition, the experimental group is treated with mechanical stress at periodic intervals. Teeth are removed from the waterbath for evaluation at pre-determine timepoints between 1-28 days. The remineralization of the artificial WSLs are re-evaluated by QLF and surface characteristics and roughness via SEM and surface profilometry. Comparison is done with pretreatment baseline records.
Results: We anticipate that bioactive glass will initiate remineralization of white spot lesions. The bioglass embedded within demineralized enamel will aid in the chemical remineralization of enamel. There should be a measurable increase in remineralization but with dimenishing returns within the time frame of the study.
Conclusions: Air abrasion has been demonstrated as an effective mean to remove residual orthodontic cement. The result of this in vitro study can lend credence to the use of air abrasion in clinical usage to further streamline efficiency of orthodontic practices while providing added benefits to patients’ oral health. Additionally, further modifications to existing formulations of bioactive glass may yield greater benefits by maximizing exclusivity in removing residual cement and reduction in collateral damage to enamel.