Can Biosilicate Reverse Enamel White Spot Lesions Caused by Biofilm Accumulation During Orthodontic Treatment?

• Grant number: 25/08839-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri
• Grantee: Pedro Barbosa Batista
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Biosilicate in the treatment of white spot lesions on enamel resulting from orthodontic treatment with brackets. For this purpose, bovine tooth fragments will be obtained (6 x 6 x 2 mm). The samples will be polished, and surface roughness will be standardized. Initial microhardness readings will be obtained. Orthodontic brackets will be bonded to the fragments using orthodontic composite (Transbond XT, 3M ESPE). Next, the specimens will be subjected to an artificial caries process, except for the negative control group. The samples will be divided into groups according to the type of treatment they will receive: Group I - Negative control (saliva); Gruop II - Demineralized; Group III - Suspension of Biosilicate; Group IV - air-abrasion with Biosilicate e Group V - Fluoride (positive control). After the treatments, the brackets will be removed and new measurements of surface roughness and microhardness will be performed. Surface roughness variation, relative microhardness change, cross-sectional microhardness, and remineralization potential will be evaluated. The data will be subjected to normality testing and analyzed using the most appropriate statistical test according to data distribution.