Enamel demineralization around two different orthodontic bracket adhesive systems: An in vivo study

Objective: To compare the enamel demineralization around the two precoated adhesive bracket systems, APC Flash-Free and APC PLUS (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), in clinical settings. Material and method: This prospective experimental in-vivo study included 40 premolar teeth, which were planned for extraction due to orthodontic purposes. They were divided into two groups (Group A; n = 20 teeth were bonded with APC Flash Free ceramic brackets and group B; n = 20 teeth were bonded with APC Plus ceramic bracket). After four weeks, the teeth were extracted, sectioned, and examined under the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to evaluate the amount of demineralization from the enamel surface to the deepest point. Results: Findings revealed that the mean values of demineralization under SEM were significantly higher in APC Plus compared to APC Flash Free (149.95 µm vs. 112.96 µm, respectively) (P