Diagnostics (Oct 2023)

Detection of Erosive Changes on Smooth Surfaces with and without Orthodontic Brackets Using an Intraoral Scanner—An In Vitro Study

  • Anahita Jablonski-Momeni,
  • Franka Hanselmann,
  • Peter Bottenberg,
  • Heike Korbmacher-Steiner

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13203232
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 20
p. 3232

Abstract

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Background: Consumption of acidic beverages favours development of erosions. Modern diagnostic methods are required to detect erosions at an early stage. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of an intraoral scanner (IOS) for detection of erosive changes on smooth surfaces adjacent to orthodontic brackets. Methods: Orthodontic metal brackets were attached to the buccal surfaces of 58 extracted permanent human teeth. Teeth were randomly divided into groups: A = 6% citric acid, B = Coca-Cola, C = Redbull, D = Powerade, E = Control, no acid exposure. Teeth were exposed to acid in three erosion cycles, followed by rinsing and brushing. Scans of teeth were performed at baseline and after each erosion cycle and enamel loss was measured. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) measurements were performed as reference standard. Results: Significant substance loss was measured in all acid groups after the second and third erosion cycle (p p = 0.001). Conclusions: With IOS, it was possible to detect and quantify enamel erosion at smooth surfaces with and without orthodontic brackets after a short exposure time. Considering the limitations of in vitro results, the use of IOS can be a promising digital tool to detect and monitor erosive enamel changes during fixed orthodontic treatment.

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