[Fluorine distribution in the enamel in the use of glass ionomer cements as bonding materials].

Abstract

The rise in the fluorine content of dental enamel after bonding orthodontic attachments with glass ionomer cement (GIC) was analysed in an in vitro study. Twenty-four freshly extracted caries-free premolars from adolescent patients were available for investigation. The teeth were cleaved longitudinally in the oro-vestibular direction to obtain a test specimen and reference sample. The GIC Aquacem was used as bonding material. The fluorine was measured with an electron beam microprobe (Camebax SX 50) 10, 20, 40 and 80 days after bonding. A rise of fluorine in dental enamel of more than 120% was observed after the bonding procedure. This rise was especially rapid in the first ten days, and a saturation value was reached after 40 days. The depth of penetration into the dental enamel was 20 microns, and the surface spreading was at least 3 mm. An equilibrium state is attained between the 40th and 80th day. A preventive action on caries in the vicinity of attachments bonded with glass ionomer cement is to be expected owing to the accumulation of fluorine in the dental enamel.