Natural and synthetic photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy on enamel reconditioning rebonded to metallic brackets: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bond efficacy and failure rates of rebonded metallic brackets after enamel reconditioning with chemical 37% phosphoric acid (PA) and natural and synthetic photosensitizers activated by PDT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 non-cavitated, and cautiously extracted human premolars were congregated after sample size calculation. The enamel exterior was etched, washed, dried for adhesive application, and cured. Metallic brackets were then oriented and adapted to enamel surface using composite. Later, brackets were debonded from the surface via a Weingart plier. Enamel was finished for ensuing surface reconditioning. Ultimately, specimens were randomly distributed into five groups (n=10). Enamel surface before rebonding was reconditioned with curcumin photosensitizer (CP), riboflavin photosensitizer (RP), rose bengal photosensitizer (RBP), methylene blue photosensitizer (MBP), and 37% PA (control) respectively. After following reconditioning protocol, brackets were rebonded to the enamel exterior employing a composite adhesive system. Then, specimens were subjected to the universal testing machine for analyzing shear bond strength (SBS), and bond failures were predicted using an ARI index. One-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis at a variance value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Enamel reconditioned with 37% PA demonstrated the highest SBS for bracket rebonding, and the lowest SBS was presented by CP actuated by PDT. Enamel reconditioned with RP and RBP corroborated the analogous SBS outcome to 37% PA. Likewise, enamel surface treatment with MBP revealed a statistically significant result to CP for metallic bracket rebonding. The most prevalent failure scores anticipated among groups were 0 and 1 indicating an adhesive failure with the exemption of group 5 (control) that encountered more score 2 cohesive failure on debonding metallic brackets from enamel exterior. CONCLUSIONS: Rose bengal and riboflavin photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy with low ARI scores have the potential to be used as viable enamel reconditioning alternatives to 37% phosphoric acid for rebonding metallic brackets.

Changes in essential salivary parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances is known to alter the oral environment and encourage plaque retention around orthodontic brackets and bands, resulting in enamel demineralization and gingival inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in essential salivary parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from 60 patients before and 2 months after commencing fixed orthodontic treatment. The salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and levels of amylase, total protein, and glucose were determined. Parametric and nonparametric tests for paired samples were used for comparing the mean differences before and after commencing treatment. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were noted 2 months after commencing treatment (P < 0.05). Total protein concentrations and calcium levels decreased significantly and amylase and glucose levels increased after commencing treatment (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between salivary total protein concentrations and buffering capacity as well as calcium levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the biochemical properties of saliva are altered after introducing fixed orthodontic appliances into the oral cavity, thereby promoting plaque retention and increasing the susceptibility to tooth demineralization and gingival inflammation.

Comparison of mesiodistal tooth width in individuals from three ethnic groups in Southern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the mesiodistal tooth sizes and to see the gender dimorphism among three ethnic groups of southern part of Saudi Arabia, that is, Asir, Najran, and Jizan region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample composed of 90 individuals (45 of each gender) from 3 different regions of southern Saudi Arabia, having mean age of 26.9 years. The measurements were done directly on the models with the aid of the digital calliper measuring the largest mesiodistal measure of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars in both sides. RESULTS: Almost all the mesiodistal tooth widths were statistically significant between the groups except maxillary and mandibular permanent third molars. Regarding sexual dimorphism, the groups were combined; almost all the mesiodistal tooth widths were not shown statistically significant difference between the males and females except that right first permanent premolars were significantly larger in the females than in the males. CONCLUSION: The present study has provided norms of the mesiodistal permanent tooth diameters of a Saudi population that are newer and more complete than the previously published norms. There appear to be some secular trends in the mesiodistal diameter of the Saudi permanent teeth toward sexual dimorphism.

Self-perception of personal oral health in Saudi population: a social media approach.

Subjective perceptions and perceived needs for dental care in a population can provide important information for policy-makers. This study aimed to assess self-perceived personal oral health status among the Saudi Arabia population who could be accessed through social media. A pre-tested questionnaire for completion online was designed to assess self-perceived oral health via 13 items in 4 domains with weighted scores from 1-3. The questionnaire was uploaded to the Internet and the link to it was made available through popular social networking sites in Saudi Arabia. With respondents recruited by snowball methods a total of 4618 people (57.2% males, 42.8% females) completed the questionnaire. The total mean score for the participants was 23.0 (SD 5.0) (scale range 13-39). Self-perceived oral health was rated as poor by 24.2% of respondents, average by 50.6% and good by 25.2%. Educational level, age and region but not sex were significantly associated with self-perceived oral health.