WILL RESIN INFILTRATION WITH ICON PREVENT ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION AROUND ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS?

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Icon surface pretreatment to prevent demineralization under and around orthodontic brackets and its subsequent effect on the shear bond strength. Methods: A total number of 20 sound human maxillary premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic treatment were divided into two groups. Group one: control group with no surface pretreatment. Group two: ICON surface pretreatment was done for the enamel surface before bonding the brackets. Both groups were subjected to a 21-day pH-cycling protocol. Shear bond strength measured in mega Pascal (MPa) and surface microhardness measured in Vickers hardness value (HV) were evaluated after thermo-cycling and statistically analyzed. Adhesive remnants index (ARI) scores were determined at 25× magnification and statistically analyzed. Results: there was no significant difference in surface hardness within the study groups; before and after pH cycling as well as no significant difference in shear bond strength in the ICON surface pretreatment group when compared to the control group. Conclusion:ICON surface pretreatment for prevention of white spot lesions can be done clinically under orthodontic brackets without affecting the shear bond strength significantly.