Raman microscopy evaluation of the preventive effect of a modified orthodontic adhesive with silver nanoparticles on the formation of white spot lesions

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an effective antibacterial agent, and their inclusion in orthodontic adhesives has been proposed to prevent white spot lesions (WSLs). The objective of this study was to evaluate by Raman microscopy the preventive effect of an orthodontic adhesive modified with AgNPs on the formation of WSLs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: AgNPs were added in four concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) to an orthodontic adhesive. Metal brackets were bonded with the experimental adhesives, and the specimens were subjected to a microbial model for caries induction. The preventive effect on the formation of WSLs was evaluated by Raman microscopy, considering the intensity peak of the phosphate ion at 960 cm-1. The acquisition mode was linear scanning in the most representative lesion area, with a length of 136µm. Intensity values expressed the relative amount of phosphate ions remaining in the lesion. Microphotographs were analyzed in the Image J program to assess the depth of the lesions. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between all groups (P <0.05). The addition of 1% AgNPs effectively maintained the relative amount of phosphate ions close to sound enamel values. Furthermore, as the concentration of AgNPs increased, the depth of the lesions decreased. CONCLUSIONS: AgNPs were effective in decreasing the formation of WSLs. At a higher concentration of AgNPs, a more significant preventive effect on the formation of WSLs results in a relative amount of phosphate ion close to sound enamel values. Key words:White spot lesions, antibacterial, orthodontics, Raman microscopy, adhesive, Silver-nanoparticles.