EFFECT OF SILICON OXIDE COMPLEX REMINERALIZATION MATERIAL ON TOOTH COLOUR

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate whitening efficacy of silicon oxide complex on teeth and to observe the silicon oxide complex layer on enamel following application of hydrodynamic shear forces. Materials and methods: 60 premolar teeth from orthodontic patients were selected and distributed into three groups. First two group were treated with silicon oxide complex (Dentcoat PTM, Germany) preparations of 100% and 50% by volume. The third group is a positive control group treated using whitening toothpaste (Colgate® Optic WhiteTM, New York). L*a*b* measurement was recorded at the following time points t1, without any treatment; t2, immediately after treatment; and t3, 24h after application of hydrodynamic shear forces to mimic mechanical loading. The colour difference between all timepoints and baseline was calculated and expressed as ΔE. One randomly selected tooth from the silicon oxide group (100% per volume) and one tooth from the control group were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) (Hitachi SU 5000, Japan). Results: Color differences, ΔE of teeth tested with 100% concentration of silicon oxide complex was significant, compared to teeth tested with whitening toothpaste (8.621.34 SE, Sig 0.000) indicating excellent retention of material despite the application of hydrodynamic shear forces. SEM images of the teeth revealed a smoother surface of enamel with diminished pores and surface roughness for 100% volume of silicon oxide complex as compared to the control group. Conclusion:Silicon oxide complex-based materials can adhere to the enamel surface of teeth and contribute to tooth whitening. This clinical importance of this article is that it highlights the brightening effect of silicon oxide that may warrant further research interest for their use to improve tooth colour in an adjunctive manner with conventional bleaching.