Characterisation techniques for enamel remineralisation: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Mineralized Tissue Biology

Background:

• Enamel, the tooth's protective outer layer, requires a balance of demineralisation and remineralisation.
• Disrupting this balance leads to dental caries, a widespread oral disease.
• Effective remineralisation strategies are vital for restoring enamel integrity and preventing caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of methodologies for evaluating enamel remineralisation.
• To critically discuss the principles, advantages, and limitations of various characterisation techniques.
• To emphasize the importance of these methods for translational and clinical applications in restorative dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Review of techniques assessing surface morphology, mechanical properties, chemical composition, and mineral density/crystallinity.
• Critical analysis of established and emerging characterisation methods.
• Focus on methods relevant to assessing enamel repair and biomaterial efficacy.

Main Results:

• Enamel remineralisation evaluation requires a multi-faceted approach combining various techniques.
• Each method offers unique insights into different aspects of enamel repair.
• No single technique is sufficient for a comprehensive assessment.

Conclusions:

• A framework for selecting appropriate characterisation methods for enamel remineralisation is proposed.
• Combining complementary approaches ensures robust evaluation of enamel repair.
• This knowledge advances the development of novel materials and strategies for durable enamel restoration.