Production of a nonwettable enamel surface

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Dental enamel surfaces are susceptible to microbial colonization and deposit formation.
• Developing effective surface modifications for dental materials is crucial for oral health.
• Hydrophobic coatings offer potential for reducing plaque and biofilm accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new water-repellent coating for dental enamel.
• To assess the coating's effects on enamel surface properties, bacterial adhesion, and deposit formation.
• To determine the coating's retention characteristics on enamel.

Main Methods:

• A novel coating composed of fumed silicon dioxide and silane was applied to enamel surfaces.
• In vitro tests were conducted to assess water and saliva repellency.
• In vivo studies utilized coated and control Styroflex strips to evaluate deposit reduction.
• Enamel retention was tested with and without prior acid etching.

Main Results:

• The coating demonstrated significant water and saliva repellency in vitro.
• No reduction in bacterial colonization was observed on treated enamel compared to controls.
• In vivo investigations showed a reduction in deposits on coated Styroflex strips.
• Poor retention of the coating was observed on enamel, regardless of acid etching pre-treatment.

Conclusions:

• The fumed silicon dioxide and silane coating effectively imparts water repellency to enamel surfaces.
• Despite hydrophobicity, the coating does not inhibit bacterial colonization.
• The coating's poor retention limits its clinical applicability for dental enamel modification.