In vivo progress of enamel and root surface lesions under plaque as a function of time

This paper deals with enamel and root surface demineralization under plaque in vivo as a function of time. The enamel was demineralized using the Ogaard method in which preformed orthodontic bands are attached to the premolars in situ for 4, 6, and 8 weeks; a niche in the bands is responsible for plaque accumulation. In a second experiment cement-covered root surfaces (and enamel) were mounted on a removable appliance (Hawley retainer). Also in this case an orthodontic band was placed over the samples to create a space for plaque accumulation of about 0.8 mm between sample and band. All samples were analyzed by means of microradiography. The results show that (1) demineralization of enamel with the Ogaard method and using the Hawley retainer gives values for lesion depth and mineral loss that are statistically not significantly different; (2) lesion progress and mineral loss in vivo is about 2.5 times faster in roots than in enamel; (3) the demineralization in enamel is roughly linear with time, and (4) roots demineralize in vivo very fast during the 1st week and much more slowly there after.