Effect of Topacal C-5 on enamel adjacent to orthodontic brackets. An in vitro study
Published Online: Dec 13, 2023
Page range: 46 - 49
Received: Jul 01, 2006
Accepted: Mar 01, 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoj-2007-0008
© 2007 Navid Karimi Nasab et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Background
Enamel demineralisation leading to ‘white spots’ can occur during orthodontic treatment. Casein phosphopeptides may reduce demineralisation during orthodontic treatment.
Aims
To determine if a casein phosphopeptide preparation, Topacal C-5 (Enamel Improving Cream, NSI Dental Pty Ltd, Leighton, Hornsby, Australia), will inhibit demineralisation of enamel adjacent to orthodontic brackets.
Methods
Twenty-four pairs of human premolars from 24 subjects were used. One premolar in each pair was randomly assigned to the control group and the contralateral premolar was assigned to the experimental group. A stainless steel orthodontic bracket was bonded to the buccal surface of each tooth and a window of enamel (4 mm x 1 mm) left open to acid attack. The teeth were cycled alternately through an artificial saliva medium (11 hours) and an acid medium (1 hour) for 31 days. Topacal C-5 was applied to the exposed enamel windows in the experimental group after immersion in the acid medium. After 31 days the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and the depths of the enamel lesions measured by polarised light microscopy.
Results
Significantly deeper demineralisation occurred in the control teeth not protected by Topacal C-5 and at sites close to the brackets in both groups.
Conclusions
In this in vitro system, Topacal C-5 partially reduced the depth of enamel demineralisation compared with teeth not covered with Topacal C-5. Topacal C-5 may reduce enamel demineralisation in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.