Atomic force microscopy observation of enamel surfaces treated with self-etching primer

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthodontic Technology

Background:

• Orthodontic bracket adhesion commonly utilizes self-etching adhesive systems.
• Understanding the impact of these systems on human enamel is crucial for preventing iatrogenic damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the enamel erosion effects of clinically used self-etching and phosphoric acid-etching adhesive systems.
• To compare the surface roughness, depth profile, and nanohardness of human enamel after pretreatment with different adhesive systems.

Main Methods:

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to assess enamel surface changes.
• Four commercial adhesive systems (Kurasper F, Beauty Ortho Bond, Orthophia LC, Transbond XT) were applied to human enamel surfaces.
• Evaluated parameters included enamel surface roughness (ESR), absolute depth profile (ADP), and surface nanohardness.

Main Results:

• Phosphoric acid-etching systems significantly increased ESR and ADP compared to self-etching systems.
• Surface nanohardness decreased after phosphoric acid etching but increased after self-etching system application.
• Self-etching primers demonstrated a protective effect against enamel decalcification.

Conclusions:

• Self-etching primers may offer a superior alternative to phosphoric acid etching for enamel conditioning in orthodontics.
• These findings suggest self-etching systems can prevent decalcification associated with traditional acid-etching methods.
• Utilizing self-etching systems could improve long-term enamel health during orthodontic treatment.