This randomized, split-mouth clinical trial will evaluate a new orthodontic adhesive that eliminates the need for acid etching before bracket bonding. Conventional orthodontic bonding requires etching enamel with phosphoric acid, which can weaken the outer enamel layer and increase the risk of white spot lesions and enamel damage. The etch-free adhesive under investigation is designed to simplify the bonding procedure while preserving enamel integrity. Twenty orthodontic patients starting treatment with braces will participate. For each patient, one side of the mouth (left or right) will be randomly assigned to receive the etch-free adhesive, while the opposite side will receive the conventional adhesive with acid etching. This intra-patient design allows a direct comparison under identical oral conditions. Participants will be followed for 12 months. Bracket failures, bonding time, ease of adhesive removal, enamel surface condition after debonding, and the presence of white spot lesions will be recorded. If effective, the etch-free adhesive may reduce enamel damage without compromising bond strength, providing a safer and more efficient bonding option for orthodontic patients.
This study investigates how often cavities develop on the permanent teeth of patients with braces (orthodontic treatment). The hypothesis is that there is no difference in the number of cavities on the permanent teeth of patients with braces compared to similar patients without braces.
The purpose of the study is to determine if Clinpro™ 5000, Clinpro™ Tooth Crème, or MI-Paste Plus has an effect on the formation and resolution of white spot lesions for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. This study will include 90 patients in the UAB Orthodontic Clinic.
The purpose of this study is to learn more about the management of white spot lesions that occur after orthodontic treatment. White spot lesions generally improve slightly with time. To date, there is no proven method to help white spot lesions improve faster. Two treatments, called MI Paste Plus and fluoride varnish, have shown some potential benefits in a laboratory setting but have not undergone testing in a clinical setting. Approximately 240 subjects are to be enrolled in this study. The study will take place in approximately 30 dental and orthodontic offices across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington as part of Northwest PRECEDENT, a five-state research network that was created to study the practical issues facing dentists/orthodontists and their patients, and to provide information that will improve the quality of oral health care as a whole. Researchers at the University of Washington and Oregon Health \& Science University share management and oversight of the network and research projects.