Purpose: To evaluate the effect of fluoride prophylactic agents on surface roughness (Ra) and fracture load (FL) of polycrystalline alumina bracket self ligating assembly. Materials and Methods: Fifty maxillary central incisors self ligation polycrystalline alumina brackets (Damon Clear) were used in this study. Brackets were divided into five equal groups. In group 1; specimens were immersed in distilled water (dH2O) for 8 hours. In group 2; specimens were immersed in 1.1% sodium fluoride solution (NaF) for 4 hours then in dH2O for another 4 hours. In group 3; specimens were immersed in NaF solution for 8 hours. In groups 4 and 5 the same procedures were followed as in group 2 and 3 respectively but 1.1% acidulated phosphate fluoride solution (APF) was used instead of NaF. Finally, Ra and FL of the self ligating assembly of the brackets were assessed. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: Utilization of APF for 8 hours provided a significantly higher Ra value than the other studied protocols (P < .05). The later showed no significant differences between them (P > .05). No significant difference was found in FL among different studied groups (P >.05) except between brackets stored in dH2O and those stored in APF for 8 hours (P < .05). Conclusion: APF should not be used for long periods with polycrystalline ceramic self ligating bracket because it adversely affects Ra and FL of the ligature assembly. On the other hand, NaF could be used safely.
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