Background: Enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) are common in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Remineralizing these lesions is necessary to prevent caries progression.
Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to assess the impact of fluoride bioactive glass (F-BAG) paste on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to demineralized enamel.
Materials and Method: In this in vitro study, one hundred intact human premolars were obtained and randomly allocated into four groups (n= 25): intact (control), demineralized, remineralized using F-BAG paste, and remineralized with resin infiltration (Icon®). Surface characterization involved the scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR). The brackets’ SBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine, followed by recording the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Data analysis included one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc, and chi-squared tests (α= 0.05).
Results: The control group exhibited the highest SBS values (p Value< 0.05). The F-BAG and resin infiltration groups had significantly higher bond strength than the demineralized enamel group (p< 0.05). SEM images revealed the presence of silica ions in the F-BAG group and resin tags in the resin infiltration group. The ARI scores were comparable across all groups.
Conclusion: The F-BAG paste used in this experiment was an effective remineralizing agent. Samples treated with F-BAG paste demonstrated clinically acceptable bond strength to brackets, with minimal enamel damage after orthodontic bracket debonding.