SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) Evaluation of Surface Roughness after Proximal Stripping of Teeth Followed by Application of Fluoride Varnish and Bonding Agent

Aims: The objective of this SEM study was to compare the surface roughness after proximal stripping with tungsten carbide bur and hand pulled strip then again followed by application of fluoride varnish and bonding agent.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Manubhai Patel Dental College, Vadodara, between September 2015 and March 2016.

Methodology: 30 healthy human teeth were used which required removal for orthodontic purpose. Teeth were randomly selected and divided into 6 group of 5 each. Group I – stripping with Hand pulled strips(Ortho Organizers), Group II – stripping with tungsten carbide bur ( SS White), Group III - stripping with single sided hand pulled strips (Ortho Organizers) followed by bonding agent application ,Group IV - stripping with tungsten carbide bur (SS White) followed by bonding agent application ,Group V- stripping with Single sided hand pulled strips(Ortho Organizers) with fluoride varnish application, Group VI - stripping with tungsten carbide bur (SS white) followed by fluoride varnish application.

Results: The SEM investigations demonstrated that small number of furrows were formed in group ii when compared to group i, the bonding agent formed a smooth layer over rough area produced after stripping in group iii and group iv, while a continuous uniform layer of fluoride varnish was formed in group v and group vi.

Conclusion: It can be said that the bonding agent and fluoride varnish form a protective layer, which will make the area less favourable for plaque accumulation or prevent its demineralization from oral acids and thereby reduce the incidence of caries, which is always seen after proximal stripping of teeth. Tungsten carbide bur produces a surface which is smoother when compared to the deep uniform furrows formed with hand pulled proximal strip. So It can be said that proximal stripping with tungsten carbide bur followed by application of fluoride varnish or bonding agent is preferable.