Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I need help doing research on my project. I will be testing the effect of certain substances on the adhesive used to bond braces to teeth. I feel like I have searched everywhere, but I think I've hit a dead-end. I've checked the American Journal of Orthodontics, the public library, and all sorts of websites. But I can't find anything that has to do with the actual glue used on the braces. I can't figure out why people would say not to drink soda with braces either. So, I have a few questions: Where can I find information on braces? And, why do they tell you not to drink certain things when you have braces?

Resin cements can be used as adhesive for braces, I found a few articles that will provide you with additional information.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20362914
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11447960
http://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406 ... 0/abstract
http://ejo.oxfordjournals.org/content/e ... o;cjq044v1

Michael

Troy has given you good information on the glue used for braces. I will answer the other part of your question about why you should avoid certain drinks when you are wearing braces.

Teeth are composed primarily of a hydroxyapatite, which is composed of calcium and phosphate. Hydroxyapatite is soluble below pH 6.5 so an acid environment can slowly erode teeth. Carbonated drinks contain carbonic acid and sugar; Coca cola also contains phosphoric acid; microorganisms can grow on the surface of teeth and will use sugar to produce organic acids like lactic and acetic acids. Since braces make it difficult to clean your teeth really well, it's better to avoid conditions that will allow acid to accumulate.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5343685_chemi ... teeth.html

Now, what are you planning to do for your project?

Donna Hardy