Enamel roughness and incidence of caries after interproximal enamel reduction: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interproximal enamel reduction (IER) on tooth surfaces regarding the level of enamel roughness after applying different IER methods and the caries risk of treated teeth. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers rated the articles at every step according to predetermined eligibility criteria. Data on enamel roughness were pooled if the same IER method was used and arithmetic values were available. Data on occurrence of caries were suitable for the analysis if the same units for caries development were used. From 2396 citations initially identified, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were further considered (14 studying enamel roughness and four studying the risk of caries after IER). A meta-analysis of quantitative data regarding enamel roughness was not possible due to statistical heterogeneity; instead, the enamel roughness findings are only described. The meta-analysis of studies focusing on the incidence of caries revealed no statistical difference between treated and untreated enamel surfaces (p = NS) from 1 to 7 years after IER. Drawing reliable conclusions on enamel roughness after IER is difficult owing to the diversity of the available studies. Statistically, the occurrence of caries on surfaces previously treated with IER was the same as that on intact surfaces, indicating that IER does not increase the risk of caries on treated teeth.