Caries
Arleen T. Schmidt, DDS (she/her/hers)
Pediatric Dental Resident
Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
Children's Hospital Colorado
Denver, Colorado, United States
Karissa Burgos, DDS
University of Colorado Anschutz
Clifton Carey, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz
Katherine Chin, DDS
Medical Director, Interim Chair
Children's Hospital of Colorado
University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Cristina Leon-Pineda, DMD, MPH, MSDS
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Purpose: The aim of this split mouth, blinded randomized control trial was to compare the effectiveness of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) containing fluoride varnish to fluoride varnish in preventing early enamel demineralization during fixed orthodontic treatment.
Methods: Patients 10-80 years old undergoing comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics Clinic at the University of Colorado were recruited with acceptable oral hygiene, the planned extraction of at least 2 premolars of any combination and no previous caries, demineralization, or white spot lesions on the facial surfaces of selected teeth. Caplin hooks were bonded and premolars on opposite sides of the mouth were randomized to application of 3M Varnish 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish (TCP-containing) and a control 5% fluoride varnish. Teeth were extracted 3-8 weeks following bonding, placed in Carey’s storage solution, photographed to identify damage associated with extractions and evaluated for demineralization. Participants, the care provider, and outcome assessors were blinded to which teeth received the treatment and control varnishes. The primary outcome was demineralization depth using the Canary System. Lesion location and pattern were evaluated.
Results: Ten participants aged 12-44 years have been enrolled with 14 randomized teeth. Six teeth from four participants have been analyzed post-extraction. The results are not significant at the present time. There were no adverse effects/outcomes reported.
Conclusions: The available results do not hold statistical significance due to small sample size and it is not possible to disclose the identity of the blinded treatment groups due to ongoing data collection.