Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the effect of two remineralizing systems (Regenerate™ and Orthocare™) on the mineral recovery of demineralized enamel and on the shear bond strength (SBS) of brackets.Methods
180 bovine teeth were divided into four groups: 1)Intact enamel, 2)Demineralized enamel, 3)Demineralized enamel/Regenerate™, and 4)Demineralized enamel treated/Orthocare™. Groups 2 to 4 were demineralized. All samples were brushed three times daily; groups 1 and 2 without toothpaste, and groups 3 and 4 were treated with Regenerate™ or Orthocare™. Outcomes were assessed by SBS, adhesive remnant area, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, surface microhardness, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Parametric or non-parametric tests according to data distribution (α = 0.05).Results
Demineralized enamel showed significantly lower SBS, adhesive remnant, surface microhardness, mineral density, calcium and phosphorus content, and phosphate-related Raman parameters than intact enamel (p 960) and carbonate (I1070) peaks in the Regenerate™ group, indicating better mineralization and crystallinity recovery than Orthocare™.Conclusions
Both agents partially remineralized enamel without fully restoring sound enamel properties. Regenerate™ demonstrated better mineral recovery than Orthocare™. However, the newly formed hydroxyapatite appeared immature, and bond strength was not significantly improved compared with demineralized enamel.Clinical relevance
Remineralizing agents may improve demineralized enamel before orthodontic bonding without significantly affecting bracket bond strength.