An Evaluation of Protective Effects of OpalSeal™ Against Early Dental Decay in Orthodontic Patients

An Evaluation of Protective Effects of OpalSeal™ Against Early Dental Decay in Orthodontic Patients. A Pilot Study

Fluoride is very effective in preventing dental decay (cavities) when applied in the form of a varnish on tooth surfaces. The purpose of this study is to verify if fluoride-releasing primer (OpalSeal) offers more protection against early dental decay (cavity) compared to conventional primer (Transbond XT) during treatment with braces.

Primers are a type of 'glue' routinely used in orthodontics to attach brackets (metallic components) to the teeth. OpalSeal is a fluoride-releasing primer that has the potential to reduce cavities in patients receiving braces.

Orthodontic patients are at particular risk of developing two types of early carious lesions (decay):

1. Around the brackets called White Spot Lesions and
2. Along the sides of the teeth after slenderization procedure called inter-proximal reduction (IPR).

Our research questions are:

1. Can OpalSeal offer protection against white spot lesions (WSL) around the brackets?
2. Can OpalSeal offer protection against decay on the sides of teeth following IPR?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients age 10 and older seeking treatment at the VCU Orthodontics Clinic who require extraction of at least 2 teeth for orthodontic purposes
• Such teeth should be free of any developmental defects

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 10 years of age
• Patients with defective teeth
• Those who cannot provide consent/assent OR not able to follow research protocols
• Protected population (prisoners)