This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fluoride-releasing 4-META/MMA-TBB resin on the degree of enamel demineralization typically detected around orthodontic brackets using μCT. Enamel-dentin blocks were prepared from bovine teeth. Brackets were attached with either 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (SBC), fluoride-releasing 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (SBF), or fluoride-releasing RMGIC (FLC). The specimens were subjected to demineralization (pH 4.5, 21 days) and scanned by μCT (0, 7, and 21 days). Fluoride ion release under the experimental conditions was measured. The degree of demineralization detected in SBF and FLC was significantly lower than that in SBC; there were no significant differences in the degree of demineralization detected in SBF and FLC. The level of fluoride ion detected in FLC was significantly higher than that detected in SBC. Fluoride-releasing 4-META/MMA-TBB resin protected against enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets when compared to the results from the fluoride-free resin.
Keywords: 4-META/MMA-TBB; Demineralization; Enamel; Fluoride.