Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Enamel decalcification around the brackets is one of the most common complications after fixed orthodontic treatment. There are no reports about the onset characteristics of enamel decalcification after fixed orthodontic treatment in teenagers and adults.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of enamel decalcification around the brackets after fixed orthodontic treatment in teenagers and adults.
METHODS: 140 patients who underwent fixed orthodontic treatment at School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University from 2005-01 to 2009-07 were chosen, including 78 teenagers and 62 adults. The incidence and severity of enamel decalcification were observed and evaluated before and after treatment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: ①The enamel decalcification was observed in 122 cases, and the incidence rate was 87.14%. The incidence rate of the teenager group was significantly higher than that of the adult group (P < 0.05). ②Totally 536 teeth had enamel decalcification, and the incidence was 16.86%. 320 of 1 784 teeth in the teenager group had enamel decalcification, and the incidence rate was 17.94%. 216 of 1 395 teeth in the adult group, and the incidence rate was 15.48%.③The incidence rates of maxillary teeth in teenagers and adults were both obviously higher than those of mandibular teeth (P < 0.05). The enamel decalcification often occurred in maxillary incisor teeth. It is indicated that the incidence rate of enamel decalcification after fixed orthodontic treatment is high, and clinical measures should be taken to prevent and cure it.