A clinical trial is underway to evaluate a new method of affixing orthodontic brackets to teeth that is more enamel-friendly and could revolutionize orthodontic treatment, according to a University of Maryland, Baltimore news article.
In the trial that began in August, Dr. Flavio Copello, PhD, MS, a clinical assistant professor, and Dr. Sydney Gladfelter, an orthodontic resident, are testing a new adhesive -- Ormco EtchFree Bonding -- that was recently launched and promises faster bonding and enhanced moisture resistance.
Currently, attaching brackets to teeth entails applying phosphoric acid to etch the enamel to ensure stronger attachments to tooth enamel. However, an unfortunate side effect of this method is white spot lesions (WSLs), which can leave a permanent mark.
The yearlong split-mouth trial will involve 20 patients who have braces placed on one side of their mouths with the Ormco bonding material, while the other side will receive the current treatment using acid etching and then Transbond XT adhesive.
The study’s design will help researchers understand how durable the new material is and how well it compares to the current gold-standard method. Copello and Gladfelter will record data such as which brackets dislodge, how long bonding takes, tooth appearance before and after treatment, and whether WSLs and other signs of enamel damage occur in participants. The hope is that the trial leads to new orthodontic treatments that pose less risk to teeth.
“The results will provide clinicians with evidence on whether this new material offers practical advantages in everyday orthodontic practice,” Copello said in the news article.
