Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

School of Dentistry

Department

Not Listed

Committee Chair

Peter Ngan.

Abstract

Self etching primer (SEP) saves valuable time by eliminating the multiple steps required to place a sealant prior to bonding brackets. The purpose of this study is to compare the resistance to demineralization between SEP and a conventional sealant. 25 patients were bonded with either SEP or Sealant using the split arch technique. At the end of the observation period (18--24 months), the plaque index and decalcification scores were noted. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey Kramer test. Significantly higher decalcification score was found with the SEP group as compared with the Sealant Group (p < 0.001). Significant difference was also found between the level of hygiene compliance and decalcification (p < 0.0001). Patients with fair or poor hygiene compliance have higher decalcification scores with SEP as compared to Sealant. These results suggest that application of a self etching primer saves chair time but provides less resistance to enamel demineralization as compared to a conventional sealant.

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