[Enamel surface roughness after interproximal enamel reduction with different methods in vitro]

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cariology

Background:

• Interproximal enamel reduction (IER) is a common orthodontic procedure.
• Understanding the impact of IER on enamel surface properties is crucial for preventing demineralization.
• Surface roughness can influence plaque accumulation and susceptibility to caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate enamel surface roughness after interproximal enamel reduction (IER) using different techniques.
• To assess the effect of topical fluoride application on enamel roughness post-IER.
• To investigate enamel morphology changes under pH cycling conditions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty premolars underwent IER on one surface, with the contralateral surface serving as a control.
• Three IER methods were tested: tungsten carbide bur/Sof-Lex disks, bur/maleic acid/disks, and bur/disks/fluor protector.
• Samples were subjected to a 60-day in vitro pH cycling regimen. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured by profilometry, and morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• IER significantly increased enamel surface roughness compared to control surfaces (P < 0.01).
• No significant differences in roughness were found among the three IER methods (P > 0.05).
• SEM revealed smoother enamel surfaces in groups treated with maleic acid or fluor protector compared to the bur/disk group.

Conclusions:

• Interproximal enamel reduction demonstrably increases proximal enamel surface roughness.
• The use of topical fluoride appears beneficial in mitigating surface roughness post-IER.
• Further research into optimizing IER techniques to minimize surface alterations is warranted.