Abstract
Background: Atomic force microscopy imaging was used to study the structural topography of enamel crystals in healthy and affected enamel. The correlation of topographic images with nanomechanical properties allows for the assessment of morphology and properties at the micro- and nano-meter level in three dimensions simultaneously. Methods: A total of 60 premolars were treated like teeth during orthodontic bonding and debonding procedures. Every stage was observed in AFM. Surface roughness, image surface area difference, mean Young’s modulus, and mean adhesion force (the force of attraction between the scanning blade and the surface averaged over the image) were determined for the following areas: the central part of the surface, responsible for load transmission; the top of the surface, subject to the most abrasive wear; the lower part of the surface, responsible for the transport of fluids. Results: The highest roughness occurred on the etched surface—average 63 nm, followed by the intact enamel—8.3 nm, cleaned enamel—7.0 nm, and the resin-coated surface—5.4 nm. Conclusion: Etching increases enamel roughness and reduces hardness. Resin reduces roughness of the etched surface and increases hardness. The intact enamel has the highest hardness. The enamel smoothness is greater after polishing than in the intact enamel.
Highlights
Orthodontic treatment with fixed braces and aligners requires special preparation of the enamel surface for fixing attachments necessary for orthodontic tooth movement.The enamel quality and thickness have a direct impact on the bond strength between a composite material and the tissue surface and indirectly affect the bond strength between an orthodontic abutment and the composite material [1]
The procedure for attaching orthodontic abutments to the enamel surface involves etching the enamel with 36% orthophosphoric acid, followed by the application of resin and a composite material
The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in the surface topography, i.e., roughness and morphology, as well as the nanomechanical properties, such as adhesion and Young’s modulus, associated with the procedure of attachment and removal of orthodontic abutments as well as enamel cleaning
Summary
The enamel quality and thickness have a direct impact on the bond strength between a composite material and the tissue surface and indirectly affect the bond strength between an orthodontic abutment and the composite material [1]. The bond strength affects enamel damage that occurs during debracketing and the amount of remnant composite material that has to be removed in order to restore the enamel to its pre-treatment condition. The procedure for attaching orthodontic abutments to the enamel surface involves etching the enamel with 36% orthophosphoric acid, followed by the application of resin and a composite material. Enamel etching has become a breakthrough method for keeping abutments on the enamel surface; their resistance to the pulling force comes from the arc, and the pushing force comes from the aligners, providing an effective treatment process [4,5,6]. Enamel etching is associated with tissue loss ranging from 5 to
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