Neutral Fluoride Research Articles

Influence of fluoride characteristics on tooth surface protection in an erosive condition: A multifaceted characterization approach.

To evaluate the effect of fluoride consistency and composition to protect enamel and dentin against the dental erosion. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were treated with artificial saliva, neutral fluoride gel (NFG), acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (AFG), neutral fluoride foam (NFF), and acidulated phosphate fluoride foam. The samples were subjected to cycling. Micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, surface roughness (Ra), contact angle (CA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Composition, CA and Ra data were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). The dentin protected had a significantly higher mineral content than in the control. Eroded unprotected enamel had higher Ra values than normal surfaces. Fluoride treatments increased the Ra in dentin samples. AFG increased the CA in enamel. Fluoride foams increased CA in dentin with reduced mineral loss. SEM analysis found a deposited layer on enamel treated with AFG and remnants of deposits on dentin treated with NFG and NFF. Regardless of the form of application, fluoride provided protection against erosion, however with different levels. Applying the adequate fluoride form is relevant since the formulations have different effects on both enamel and dentin.

Impact of Prophylactic Fluoride Agents On the Surface Roughness of Newer orthodontic arch wires

Fluorides serve an important part in orthodontic therapy as a prophylactic strategy. However, the harmful effects of fluoride are typically disregarded due to its widespread use as an anti-cariogenic agent in a variety of dental materials. The effects of these fluoride agents on conventional arch wires have been studied extensively but not on newer wires such as coated wires or braided wires. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the effects of prophylactic fluoride agents on the surface properties of non-coated Nickel-Titanium orthodontic wires and compare it with coated esthetic Ni-Ti wires and braided Ni-Ti wire. Materials and methods: In this study, we compared three packages of 270 orthodontic arch wires made of nickel titanium. For the control, the third set of 30 wires was stored in plastic vials containing 5ml of artificial saliva for two months. Subgroup a did not make use of any fluoride treatments. Samples from subgroup b were treated with Phos-flur gel for one minute every day for 2 months, while those from subgroup c were treated with Prevident 5000. An optic profilometer was used to measure the wires roughness. Results: The investigation found that both the acidulated fluoride agent (Phos-flur gel) and neutral fluoride agent (Prevident 5000) had an effect on the surface attributes of all three sets of wires. Coated esthetic Ni-Ti wires showed highest surface roughness followed by braided Ni-Ti wire. Conclusion: The findings of the research showed that using fluoride preventive treatments (such as mouthwash or gels) during orthodontic treatment decreases the arch wires characteristics. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.23 (Special Issue) 2024 p.S107-S114

Effects of Homemade Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Olive Oil Paste on Remineralization of Early Caries Lesions

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) particles are a new generation of materials reported to remineralize enamel lesions. The purpose we aimed was to compare the in vitro effects of fluoride gel, sodium fluoride toothpaste, and homemade nHAP paste on remineralizing artificial early enamel caries. Methods: Incipient caries were induced in 21 extracted, sound premolar teeth by storing each specimen in a demineralization solution for 72 hours, followed by pH cycling. The samples (n= 7, each) were then treated with 2% neutral fluoride gel, 0.25% sodium fluoride toothpaste, or homemade nHAP paste, comprising a mixture of nHAP powder and olive oil. After demineralization and remineralization, the results were compared using the DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo, Germany). The data were statistically analyzed using paired t-tests and a one-way ANOVA test. Outcomes: The degree of demineralization in each of the three groups (fluoride gel group, 15.71; sodium fluoride dentifrice group, 15.28; nHAP paste group, 16.71) was significantly elevated compared to baseline (3, 2.5, 2.28, respectively); however, no significant difference was observed between the remineralization readings in each of the three groups (6, 7, 5.5, respectively) (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, we concluded that the homemade nHAP paste had a beneficial effect on the remineralization of initial enamel caries lesions.

Early childhood caries management using fluoride varnish and neutral fluoride gel: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of varnish and neutral fluoride gel in the management of early childhood caries (ECC). A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare two strategies for ECC management: topical application of neutral fluoride gel (NFG group) and varnish (FV group) every four months for a period of one year. The sample consisted of children between the ages of three and four years, enrolled in public daycare centers. The incidence of ECC between the groups was compared by assessing values (new dmfs) at two levels: d2 when enamel/dentin were affected and d3 when dentin affected. Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the incidence and increment of caries between the NFG and FV groups (p<0.05). A total of 240 children were included in this study and 213 children (88.7%) were followed up for 12 months. The incidence of ECC was 24.1% in the GF and 21.0% in the FV groups (p=0.586). The increment of caries in d2mfs was 1.36 (95% CI = 0.83 - 1.89) in the NFG and 1.33 (95% CI = 0.75 - 1.89) in FV (p=0.756) groups. Increment of caries in d3mfs was 1.60 (95% CI = 0.95 - 2.25) in NFG and 1.40 (95% CI = 0.75 - 2.04) in FV (p=0.468). Neutral fluoride gel and fluoride varnish exhibited similar efficacy in the management of ECC after 12 months of follow-up.

Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cellular metal accumulation caused by professionally applied fluoride products in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: A randomized clinical trial

Corrosion of metal orthodontic appliances caused by professional fluoride products has been recently concerned. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of these products on buccal mucosal cells from patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. A total of 44 patients, aged 12 to 35 years, who began orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances were included in this single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated into 4 parallel groups according to the type of professional fluoride treatment applied after placing the appliances: acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF); neutral fluoride gel (NGel); fluoride varnish (FVa); and without fluoride treatment (control). Buccal cells were collected before treatment (T1) and 3 months after appliance placement (T2). The cells were assayed for cell viability and underwent Papanicolaou staining. Cells with micronuclei and degenerative nuclear alterations were scored using a light microscope. Cell metal content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The intracellular nickel content in the APF group significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas that of the control, NGel, and FVa groups did not. The changes in chromium concentration in all groups were not significantly different compared with control. Use of APF resulted in a significantly higher decrease in cell viability and increase in morphologic signs of cell death compared with control (P < 0.05). The change in frequency of micronucleated cells was not significantly different from that in the control group. Applying APF gel on fixed orthodontic appliances increased the cell metal content and decreased cell viability; however, genotoxic effects were absent. FVa and NGel are suggested as the products of choice to use during orthodontic treatment.

Enamel erosion prevention and mechanism: effect of 10.6-μm wavelength CO2 laser low power density irradiation studied by X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

This study assessed the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (λ = 10.6 μm, 5 W, 70 J/cm2) irradiation alone and after treatment with neutral fluoride gel on enamel and their efficacy in preventing enamel erosion compared to untreated and fluoride gel-treated enamel. Enamel surfaces of the bovine incisor (n = 7/group) were treated with artificial saliva (S, negative control), neutral fluoride (NF, positive control), CO2 laser irradiation (L), and NF + laser (NF + L). Samples were acid demineralized (soft drink, pH ~ 3.2, 10 min), remineralized (saliva, 37 °C, 1 h), and analyzed using micro-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-EDXRF), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results suggest that NF gives the best protection against erosion, followed by NF + L and L. μ- EDXRF showed that changes due to laser treatment in L and NF + L were uneven. SEM images showed morphological changes in L and NF + L such as craters, fissures, and roughness in some regions, again indicating the unevenness of laser-induced enamel changes. ATR-FTIR mean spectra intensity levels and principal component analysis also indicate higher efficacy of fluoride over laser treatments and unevenness of laser treatments. Overall, it can be concluded that CO2 laser parameters need to be further investigated to promote adequate protection with minimum surface changes.

Effect of Fluoride Gels on the Surface Roughness of Different Composite Resins

Background: The pH of fluoride gels influences the roughness of composite resins, which affects their clinical durability. Objective: To evaluate the effect of fluoride gels (1.23% acidified phosphate fluoride and neutral fluoride) on the morphology of different composite resins after finishing and polishing. Methods: We prepared sixty specimens with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. The specimens were then divided into six groups (n = 10), according to the type of composite resin (Z250 micro-hybrid (Z), Filtek Z350 XT nanoparticles (XT), and Tetric N-Ceram nano-hybrid (TC)) and fluoride gel treatment (1.23% acidified phosphate (APF) or neutral fluoride (NF)) to measure surface roughness (Ra). The material was light-cured using an LED-curing unit (Elipar Freelight Deep Cure-3M/ESPE) for 20 s with a light intensity of 1.200 mW/cm2. Ra measurements were performed before and after treatment with different fluoride gels using a rugosimeter (Mitutoyo SJ210). After Ra, we selected two samples from each group for evaluation using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey tests, with a significance of 5%. Results: The average Ra before and after NF did not differ statistically. The average Ra values of the groups treated with APF showed statistically significant differences. The photomicrographs of the groups treated with NF were similar to those of the groups without fluoride treatment. The APF-treated groups showed significant morphological changes. Conclusion: NF did not promote changes in the morphology of the evaluated composite resins, in contrast to APF, which caused significant changes.

Análise da rugosidade superficial de uma resina composta tratada com gel fluoretado em diferentes pH

Objetivo: O flúor acidulado é utilizado no controle da doença cárie, mas seus efeitos na superfície de resinas compostas são controversos. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a rugosidade superficial de uma resina composta após a aplicação tópica de flúor in vitro. Métodos: Espécimes de resina Vittra (FGM) foram preparados (8mmx1mm) e polidos. Após avaliação do pH de produtos fluoretados, o de maior e menor pH foram selecionados para os experimentos. Foram testados três grupos experimentais (n=15): grupo 1 – flúor gel acidulado a 1,23% (Nova DFL) (menor pH:4,48±0,32), grupo 2 – flúor gel neutro a 2% (Nova DFL) (maior pH:7,03±0,40), grupo 3 – sem exposição ao flúor (controle negativo). O experimento simulou o protocolo padrão clínico de aplicação de flúor (uma aplicação por semana, durante um minuto, por quatro semanas). A rugosidade superficial foi mensurada antes e após o tratamento através de microscopia confocal e a característica superficial avaliada por imagens reconstruídas. Foi realizado teste ANOVA (post-hoc de Bonferroni) para comparar médias da rugosidade superficial entre grupos. Resultados: O grupo exposto ao flúor gel acidulado apresentou os maiores valores de rugosidade (Ra: 0,29±0,08), sendo maior que o grupo exposto ao gel neutro (Ra: 0,21±0,08) e controle (Ra: 0,23±0,05) (p

Low-level gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation (λ 830 nm) associated with and without fluoridated gel in the prevention of enamel erosion

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of a low-level gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation against erosion in bovine enamel without and combined with fluoride (F), as well as compared the effect of the F treatment alone. Eight-four enamel samples were used for 8 groups: negative control (artificial saliva, S); positive control (neutral fluoride gel, F); diode laser (222 J/cm2, L1); diode laser (444 J/cm2, L2); F_L1; F_L2; L1_F; L2_F. Fluoride gel was applied only once before or after irradiation. Laser treatment occurred with an 830-nm diode laser (continuous, beam diameter 0.028 cm2, power 100 mW, power density 3.57 W/cm2). The irradiation was conducted one time (L1, energy 6.2 J, 62 s, energy density 222 J/cm2) or two times (L2, energy 12.4 J, 124 s, energy density 444 J/cm2). The specimens were submitted to erosive challenge using orange juice. Surface compositional changes by micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-EDXRF), surface roughness, and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated after cycling. The laser energy density and the fluoride application (before or after laser) affected the mineral content. Treatments with the association laser/fluoride resulted in lower roughness values (Ra, μm) than in the negative control (p < 0.05). L1 treatment produced higher Ra values in the enamel than in the positive control (p < 0.05). The SEM images showed clear enamel loss after S and F and erosion compared with those of the laser-irradiated groups. The association of F gel with laser in this order resulted in relevant enamel protection.

In vivo assessment of the corrosion of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

This study was undertaken to assess in vivo the corrosion in two commercial nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires removed from the oral cavity of patients using fluoride mouthwashes. Five volunteers took part in this study on the corrosion behavior of two brands of NiTi archwires (3M and AO (brand of archwire)) during use of two mouthwashes with neutral sodium fluoride 1.1%, one with acidulated fluoride 1.1%, and one with placebo and a control group. Each patient used one mouthwash in three different periods of time for 1 min a day for 30 days. The archwires were assessed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The values obtained with atomic force microscopy (AFM) were submitted to normality test, two-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. The AFM images showed a gradual qualitative increase in the roughness of both types of wire between the treatments: control < placebo < neutral fluoride < acidulated fluoride. The arithmetic average of the roughness and root mean square of the roughness were similar. As for 3M archwires, only the acidulated fluoride group differed statistically from the others. As for AO archwires, the control and placebo groups did not differ from each other, but differed from the other fluoride treatments. The group using neutral fluoride also differed significantly from the acidulated fluoride group. 3M archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges. AO archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges either; their association with fluoride, either neutral or acidulated, increased their roughness.

Color evaluation of white spot lesions treated with resin infiltration after water or grape juice storage

Aim: To evaluate the color stability of bovine enamel with artificial white spot lesions treated with resin infiltration (ICON) or remineralization with fluoride using two storage methods. Methods: Sixty incisors were submitted to artificial white spot lesion induced by demineralization-remineralization (DE-RE) cycling. Initial color was evaluated with CIE-Lab to measure ΔEab. Demineralized teeth were divided according to the treatment of the white spot lesion (n = 20): 1) Remineralization with 2% neutral fluoride gel for 4min (control); 2) ICON application following manufacturer’s recommendations; and 3) ICON with decreased drying time after the application of ethanol. After 24h, color was evaluated and samples were subdivided (n = 10) according to storage: 1) distilled water for 1 month; 2) grape juice for 10min daily. After storage, color was evaluated. L*, a* and b* data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and ∆Eab data by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD (α = 0.05). Results: L* was affected by juice storage, and decreased when ICON was applied with decreased drying time after the ethanol application. The same behavior occurred with a* (increase with reduced drying time), while b* was not affected. For ∆Eab significant differences were observed between groups (p = 0.0219) and storage methods (p = 0.0007). There was no interaction effect (p = 0.1118). Remineralization with fluoride presented the lowest color changes after storage in water. Conclusion: Treatment of artificial carious lesions with resin infiltration presented greater color changes than fluoride remineralization after storage in both solutions in vitro.

Effects of Fluoride on NiTi Orthodontic Archwires: An X-ray Diffraction Study:

Objective: To explore the changes in nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires after exposure to fluoride-containing acetic acid solutions. Materials and methods: Preformed rectangular NiTi wires were immersed in either an acidulated fluoride solution, a neutral fluoride solution or distilled water (control) for 1.5 hours at 37°C. After immersion, the unloading force values at four deflection points were measured by three-point bending test. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were also performed to characterize the effects of the fluoride exposure on the wire. Results: Unloading force values of NiTi orthodontic wires were significantly decreased after exposure to both fluoride solutions (p < 0.001). Corrosive changes in surface topography were observed for both fluoride solutions. Wires exposed to acidic fluoride appeared as more severely affected. X-ray diffraction analysis showed no change in crystal lattice of NiTi wires in both solutions. Conclusion: The results suggest that using topical fluoride agents with NiTi wire could decrease the functional unloading mechanical properties of the wire and contribute to prolonged orthodontic treatment.

Stress and electrochemical corrosion of titanium produced by laser rapid forming

Objective: To investigate the stress corrosion and electrochemical corrosion resistance of titanium produced through laser rapid forming (LRF), and to provide a basis for their clinical application. Methods: Forged commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) was used as control group and LRF pure titanium was used as LRF group. All samples were placed in acidic artificial saliva containing fluorine (pH=7), and loaded with a stress of 1.2 × σ(0.2) Pa (σ(0.2) represents the yield strength of material). Stress corrosion resistance of specimens that have been soaked for 30 days was analyzed by naked eye observation, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. For samples placed in artificial saliva, neutral fluoride solution (pH=7) and acidic fluoride solution (pH=3) (4 test pieces in each corrosive medium), and their electrochemical corrosion resistance was evaluated by free corrosion potential (Ecorr) measurements, corrosion current (Icorr), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and anodic polarization curves. Results: With the prolongation of immersion time, the corrosion products gradually increased. The stress corrosion of CP-Ti group was significantly more than that of LRF-Ti group, and the pit diameter was significantly larger than that of LRF-Ti group. The electrochemical corrosion results showed that the Ecorr (-469 mV) of LRF-Ti in artificial saliva was higher than that of CP-Ti (-555 mV), and the Ecorr (-925 mV) of LRF-Ti was higher than that of CP-Ti (-943 mV) in neutral fluoride solution. In acid fluoride solution, the Ecorr (-943 mV) of LRF-Ti was higher than that of CP-Ti (-956 mV). The Ecorr of the same metal was the highest in artificial saliva and the lowest in acid fluoride solution; the Icorr of the same metal was the lowest in artificial saliva and the highest in acid fluoride solution. Conclusions: Under the same corrosion conditions, LRF Ti demonstrated better stress and electrochemical corrosion resistance than CP-Ti.

Microhardness of bovine enamel after different fluoride application protocols.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate microhardness, mineral recovery and the enamel surface after the application of topical fluoride to artificial dental caries. Twenty-five bovine enamel blocks were prepared for artificial caries-like lesions and randomly divided into five groups (n=5): untreated (C control), 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APG), 2% neutral fluoride gel (NFG), 1.23% acidulated fluoride mousse (AFM) and fluoride varnish (5% Duraphat, DFV). Knoop microhardness (KHN) was evaluated after 7 and 14 days of treatment as well as 1 week after 28 days of treatment. Electron and confocal microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were performed. KHN data were treated with two-way ANOVA (material×time) and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. Differences were found among groups over time (p<0.001). Microhardness varied after 7 and 14 days of treatment and remained stable 1 week after 28 days of treatment. Mineral recovery and enamel topography varied among groups, with the fluoride varnish achieving the most uniform topography.

The Effect of Neutral Sodium Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and Nano-Carbonate Apatite on Enamel Surface Roughness and Staining after Home Bleaching

The Effect of Neutral Sodium Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and Nano-Carbonate Apatite on Enamel Surface Roughness and Staining after Home Bleaching

Enamel microabrasion: achieving aesthetic success to dental fluorosis in a single session – one-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To describe the enamel microabrasion technique used to treat the patient with white stains due dental fluorosis, highlighting the importance of complete anamnesis and clinical examination to achieve the clinical success.CASE DESCRIPTION: patient’s complains, aesthetic self-perception, age, general health, history of excessive intake of fluoride and time of teeth development were considered to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, dental trans illumination was used to evaluate the white spots diffusion and estimate the lesion’s length. An abrasive paste mixture of equal parts 37% phosphoric acid and pumice was applied with a wooden spatula in order to perform enamel microabrasion. After the last application, the teeth were polished with finishing discs and a neutral sodium fluoride gel was applied to enamel remineralization. Satisfactory results in the aesthetic improvement were possible with a minimally invasive and cost-effective technique. The dental trans illumination after treatment showed the disappearance of the enamel opacities, preserved on the one-year follow-up.CONCLUSION: Cosmetic dentistry has been increasingly practiced today. However, a correct aesthetic planning should be based on current restorative dentistry concept. For any type of procedure, the dentist should opt for sound tooth structure preservation. This technique might be an efficient alternative to restorative treatments and can be considered a successful procedure. In cases of esthetic alterations due fluorosis, non-invasive methods such enamel microabrasion should be considered before invasive restorative treatments.

Influence of Ultrapulsed CO2 Laser, before Application of Different Types of Fluoride, on the Increase of Microhardness of Enamel In Vitro.

Objective To evaluate the influence of ultrapulsed CO2 laser in combination with commercial fluoride products in order to verify the increase of microhardness of artificial enamel caries lesions. Materials and Methods Bovine enamel specimens were prepared, and artificial enamel caries lesions were created. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): treated with laser (L), laser + neutral fluoride gel 2% (LNF), laser + acidulated phosphate fluoride gel 1.23% (LAFG), laser + acidulated fluoride mousse 1.23% (LAFM), and laser + fluoride varnish 5% (LFV). Microhardness was evaluated at baseline, after caries induction, after CO2 laser irradiation + fluoride treatment in the 1st week, and after fluoride treatment at 3rd and 5th week. Results There was a decrease in microhardness in all groups after artificial enamel caries lesion formation; no increase in microhardness was found in the first and third weeks in all groups (p > 0.05). In the fifth week, an increase in microhardness occurred in all groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although CO2 laser irradiation in combination with different commercial fluoride products was capable of increasing microhardness on enamel caries lesions in bovine tooth enamel it is necessary to confirm these results by testing the isolated effect of fluoride on enamel surface microhardness. Also, although microhardness was higher in the fluoride varnish group than in the other groups in the fifth week it is not possible to discard the best effect of fluoride varnish treatment on absence of artifacts that may occur with the other fluoride treatments. Clinical Relevance In order to prove that CO2 laser may contribute to an increase in microhardness when applied to enamel lesions in combination with different commercial fluoride products it is necessary to conduct additional studies. Also, higher microhardness of fluoride varnish group should be carefully considered.

Corrosion and Mechanical Degradation of Ni-Ti Superelastic Alloy in Neutral Fluoride Solution

The corrosion behavior and mechanical degradation of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy in neutral fluoride solution were investigated with a focus on the effect of temperature during immersion. Corrosion was accelerated by increasing the temperature, and mass loss increased with immersion time. Furthermore, Ti ions (Ni ions) preferentially dissolved in the early (later) stage of immersion. The tensile strength of the immersed specimen decreased when the mass loss was approximately 0.040-0.050 mg/mm3. The fracture mechanisms of specimens immersed in 2.0% NaF solution were active path corrosion at room temperature and presumably hydrogen embrittlement at 80 °C. For long-term (e.g., 180 days) immersions at 80 °C, hydrogen embrittlement did not occur, because the absorbed hydrogen diffused to the center of the immersed specimens, rendering the hydrogen distribution comparatively uniform. These findings suggest that the fracture mechanism of immersed specimens can change as a result of the temperature during immersion.

Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness of enamel after the application of different bleaching agents and to determine the effect of fluoride and bonding agent application on the roughness of bleached enamel. Materials and methods Forty-two dental slice polished enamel surfaces were randomly assigned to six groups. The surfaces of the slices were treated with 30% carbamide peroxide (CP) (groups I to III), or 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (groups IV to VI). Groups I and IV were only bleached. Topical fluoride was applied to the bleached surface of groups II and V. Groups III and VI were covered with a bonding agent. The surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Data were subjected to analysis of one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p &gt; 0.05). Results There were no statistically significant differences between the surface roughness of the untreated control specimens and the specimens treated with the bleaching materials, fluoride gel, and dental bonding agent (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Bleaching treatment with 38% HP and 30% CP does not alter enamel surface roughness. Clinical significance The application of topical neutral sodium fluoride agents and dental bonding agents does not have any influence on enamel surface roughness. How to cite this article Gümüştaş B, Gürbüz Ö, Efes BG. Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(2):74-78.

Influência da aplicação tópica de géis de flúor na rugosidade superficial de cimentos de ionômero

Avaliar a morfologia de superfície de quatro CIVs (cimentos de ionômero de vidro) quando submetidos à ação tópica do flúor fosfato acidulado a 1,23% e&#x0D; gel de fluoreto de sódio neutro a 2%. Foram confeccionados 10 espécimes de cada CIVs (Ketac Molar Easymix, Maxxion R, Vitro Molar e Vitremer). Um ensaio de rugosidade foi efetuado antes e após aplicação tópica de gel de flúor. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através do teste de Tukey e do teste T. Os&#x0D; valores de rugosidade apresentados pelos materiais, segui a ordem descrescente: Maxxion&gt;Ketac Molar Easy Mix&gt; Vitro Molar. A aplicação tópica de flúor acidulado apresentou alterações de superfície nos materiais avaliados.&#x0D; &#x0D; DOI: 10.18363/rbo.v72i1/2.594