TiF4 Research Articles

Evaluation of Enamel Surface Properties Submitted to Bleaching With 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Associated With Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF4).

This study evaluated the color change, surface roughness, mineral content and morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) combined with an experimental gel containing 1% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4). Bovine enamel blocks were treated with (n = 12): (TiF) experimental gel containing 1% TiF4, (HP) 35% HP, (HPT) 35% HP + 1% TiF4and (CT) control. Bleaching with HP was performed in 3 sessions (3 × 15 min/applications). pH, colorimetric parameters, surface roughness, mineral content and enamel morphology were determined. The pH was evaluated for 45 min. The color parameters were determined before bleaching (T0), and 14 days elapsed from the last bleaching session (T4). Surface roughness was analyzed at T0 and immediately after last bleaching session (T3). Enamel mineral content and morphology were verified at T4. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way, two-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis (α = 0.05). TiF increased surface roughness, and no differences between HP and HPT in terms of color and - mineral content. Ti was detected only on TiF, and slight surface morphology changes were observed in bleached enamel. The combination of TiF4 and 35% HP did not interfere with the enamel bleaching effect, controlled surface roughness, and kept mineral content but promoted a minor surface morphology alteration. Due to the adverse effects of bleaching, titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, including the ability to reverse mineral loss and neutralize remineralization of mineral structures. Therefore, TiF4's remineralizing capacitymay be a good alternative for incorporation into hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents.

Destruction of cariogenic biofilms by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy mediated by phycocyanin and toluidine blue along with sodium fluoride varnish or titanium tetrafluoride

ObjectiveEvaluation of the effect of phycocyanin (PC) and toluidine blue (TBO) along with sodium fluoride varnish (FV) or titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) under the conditions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a dual-species cariogenic biofilm and on remineralization process. DesignAfter the development of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus dual-species biofilms on the human enamel disks, they were divided into 11 groups (n = 9): Control (0.9 % saline), PC, TBO, FV, and TiF4 alone, PC and TBO in combination with a 635 nm diode laser (PDT treatment), PC-PDT+ (PC + FV or TiF4 + 635 nm diode laser), and TBO-PDT+ (TBO + FV or TiF4 + 635 nm diode laser). After the treatment, crystal violet assay was performed to determine the reduction of cariogenic biofilms. Enamel remineralization changes were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for the calcium and phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio. ResultsOnly TBO-PDT+ showed superior antibiofilm activity when TiF4 was applied. Furthermore, the highest Ca/P ratio was found after treatment of enamel surfaces with TiF4-TBO-PDT+. The FESEM images showed that the enamel disks treated with TiF4 plus TBO-mediated PDT exhibited surface coating. However, TiF4 plus PC-mediated PDT cannot repair demineralized enamel. ConclusionsThese data suggest that TBO-PDT along with TiF4 can effectively reduce cariogenic biofilms and significantly remineralize enamel disks, opening new avenues in caries prevention.

Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride Against Secondary Caries Development in Composite Resin Restorations Comparatively with Sodium Fluoride and Titanium Tetrafluoride by Micro Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing secondary caries formation by comparing it with other fluoride-containing remineralization agents such as sodium fluoride and titanium tetrafluoride in vitro. Material and Methods: Cavities of 4x2x2 mm were prepared on the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual surfaces of the extracted 12 intact human third molars. 38% silver diamine fluoride solution was applied to the first group, 2% NaF solution to the 2nd group, 2% TiF4 solution to the 3rd group and deionized water to the 4th group. After the solutions were applied, the cavities were restored with composite resin. Then, all samples were aged by thermal cycle method and sterilized by autoclave. The volume of the lesions formed by keeping the samples in 5% sucrose solution containing Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus for 28 days was evaluated by micro computed tomography method. Data analysis of the study was performed using SPSS 21.0 V (IBM, Chicago, USA) statistical package program. Group results were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (p>0.05). Results: Although the secondary caries lesion volume was found to be lower in the silver diamine fluoride applied group compared to the other groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: These results show that the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride to prevent secondary caries formation in composite resin restorations should be investigated with longer-term studies.

Titanium tetrafluoride catalysis for the dehydrative conversion of diphenylmethanols to symmetric and unsymmetric ethers.

In contrast to the conversion of diphenylmethanol to the corresponding halides with an equivalent of titanium tetrachloride or -bromide, catalytic (50 mol%) titanium tetrafluoride converts benzhydrols in diethyl ether or dichloromethane to bis(benzhydryl) ethers within 0.5-1 h at room temperature. Cross ether formation with diphenylmethanols and primary aryl or aliphatic alcohols is achieved in the presence of 25 mol% TiF4 in refluxing toluene as solvent. A tentative mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate has been proposed.

Effectiveness of Fluoride Varnishes for White Spot Lesion Prevention and Remineralization during Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effectiveness of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) varnish compared to sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish for preventing and remineralizing white spot lesions (WSLs) in individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. This randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded study was conducted with sixty-five adolescents who were selected based on caries activity and then randomized into three parallel groups: G1 (placebo varnish), G2 (5%-NaF varnish) and G3 (4%-TiF4 varnish). Volunteers received varnish application weekly for the first 4 weeks, after 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) months. The measured outcomes included: prevention of new WSLs, and reversal/progression of WSLs, assessed by Nyvad and ICDAS indices, as well as quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Chi-square, ANOVA, and Kruskall-Wallis tests were applied. The level of significance was set at 0.05, and post hoc Bonferroni test for p values were performed to correct for multiple comparisons. 1,274 teeth were included; 70.5% were Nyvad 0, and 29.5% were Nyvad 1, with no differences between the groups at baseline (T0). Regarding ICDAS, 70.5% were ICDAS 0, 21.6% were ICDAS 1, and 7.9% were ICDAS 2. G1 showed an increasing prevalence of WSLs at T1 and maintained stable at T2; G2 exhibited a decline at T2, while G3 experienced a decrease at T1 and T2 (p < 0.01). Incidence of WSLs at T2 was 10.2% (G1), 5.6% (G2) and 1.4% (G3). The percentage of teeth initially scored as Nyvad 0 that progressed to Nyvad 1 was 13%, 6.8%, and 1% for G1, G2, and G3, respectively. Conversely, the percentage of teeth initially scored as Nyvad 1 that regressed to Nyvad 0 or Nyvad 2 (T0-T2) was 14%, 49.3%, and 74.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). As for ICDAS index, regression was observed in 6.5%, 17.8% and 24%, while progression was observed in 14.9%, 7.7% and 0.9% for G1, G2 and G3, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant differences among the 3 groups for integrated fluorescence loss (mean±SD, G1: -14.28±9.47, G2: -11.10±11.49 and G3: -6.77±11.00) were found at T2 (p < 0.01). Both varnishes demonstrated the ability to prevent and remineralize WSLs. However, TiF4 varnish exhibited the most effective control over WSLs during the 12-month orthodontic treatment.

The damage and remineralization strategies of dental hard tissues following radiotherapy

ObjectivesThis study pursued two main purposes. The first aim was to expound on the microscopic factors of radiation-related caries (RRC). Further, it aimed to compare the remineralization effect of different remineralizing agents on demineralized teeth after radiotherapy.MethodsThe enamel and dentin samples of bovine teeth were irradiated with different doses of radiation. After analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), the samples irradiated with 50 Gy radiation were selected and divided into the demineralization group, the double distilled water (DDW) group, the Sodium fluoride (NaF) group, the Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) group, the NaF + CPP-ACP group, and the Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) group. After demineralization, remineralizing agents treatment, and remineralization, the samples were evaluated using SEM, atomic force microscope (AFM), EDS, and transverse microradiography (TMR).ResultsA radiation dose of 30 Gy was sufficient to cause damage to the dentinal tubules, but 70 Gy radiation had little effect on the microstructure of enamel. Additionally, the NaF + CPP-ACP group and the TiF4 group significantly promoted deposit formation, decreased surface roughness, and reduced mineral loss and lesion depth of demineralized enamel and dentin samples after radiation.ConclusionsRadiation causes more significant damage to dentin compared to enamel. NaF + CPP-ACP and TiF4 had a promising ability to promote remineralization of irradiated dental hard tissues.Advances in knowledgeThis in vitro study contributes to determining a safer radiation dose range for teeth and identifying the most effective remineralization approach for RRC.

Evaluation of the pH and Antibacterial Efficacy of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate With and Without the Incorporation of Titanium Tetrafluoride.

Introduction Microorganisms play an important role in causing inflammation in the pulp and periapical regions. Even after undergoing chemo-mechanical procedures during root canal treatment, bacteria may persist within dentinal tubules, posing a risk of disease recurrence. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), introduced as a dental material, has been investigated as a potential antibacterial agent since its early use. Calcium and phosphorus are the primary ions in MTA, and their antibacterial characteristics are attributed to the release of calcium hydroxide through surface hydrolysis of calcium silicate components. Previous studies have shown that MTA has limited antimicrobial properties. Several alterations have been made to enhance the biological properties of MTA, such as incorporating nanoparticles made from silver, zinc, gold, and titanium. Therefore, in this study, titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) was added to MTA in an effort to enhance its antimicrobial properties. Aim To compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of MTA after the incorporation of TiF4. Materials and methods A total of 56 samples were made by mixing MTA with different weight proportions of TiF4 (1 wt%, 2 wt%, and 3 wt%). Out of these, 28 samples were taken to test each of the following properties: antibacterial efficacy and pH. The specimens were prepared using stainless steel molds of recommended dimensions for testing the pH. The pH was evaluated using a pH meter, and the antibacterial efficacy was assessed using the direct contact test. Data regarding the antibacterial efficacy and pH of MTA with various proportions of TiF4 were investigated for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and assessed for normal distribution. The antibacterial properties among the four groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by pairwise multiple comparisons using Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. The level of statistical significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05. MTA, when incorporated with TiF4, showed enhanced antibacterial properties. Results On day 1, the group treated with MTA containing 3% TiF4 demonstrated the strongest antibacterial effectiveness, with a mean of 4.67 ± 0.04 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL × 10^8. However, the group treated with plain MTA had the lowest mean values, at 5.67 ± 0.25 CFU/mL × 10^8. On day 1, the MTA group with 3% TiF4 also had the highest mean pH values (11.90 ± 0.05), while the plain MTA group had the lowest mean pH values (11.64 ± 0.78). On day 7, the MTA group with 3% TiF4 had the highest pH value (12.85 ± 0.08), whereas the plain MTA group had the lowest pH value (11.92 ± 0.09). Conclusion The inclusion of TiF4 resulted in an augmentation of the antibacterial efficacy of MTA against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Hence, the integration of TiF4 into MTA can be considered a promising development against E. faecalis during endodontic procedures.

Influence of coating dental enamel with a TiF4-loaded polymeric primer on the adverse effects caused by a bleaching gel with 35% H2O2

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether coating enamel with a polymeric primer (PPol) containing titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) before applying a bleaching gel with 35% H2O2 (35% BG) increases esthetic efficacy, prevents changes in morphology and hardness of enamel, as well as reduces the cytotoxicity from conventional in-office bleaching. Materials and methodsStandardized enamel/dentin discs were stained and bleached for 45 min (one session) with 35% BG. Groups 2TiF4, 6TiF4, and 10TiF4 received the gel on the enamel previously coated with PPol containing 2 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, or 10 mg/mL, respectively. No treatment or application of 35% BG directly on enamel were used as negative control (NC), and positive control (PC), respectively. UV-reflectance spectrophotometry (CIE L*a*b* system, ΔE00, and ΔWI, n = 8) determined the bleaching efficacy of treatments. Enamel microhardness (Knoop, n = 8), morphology, and composition (SEM/EDS, n = 4) were also evaluated. Enamel/dentin discs adapted to artificial pulp chambers (n = 8) were used for trans-amelodentinal cytotoxicity tests. Following the treatments, the extracts (culture medium + bleaching gel components diffused through the discs) were collected and applied to odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells, which were assessed concerning their viability (alamarBlue, n = 8; Live/Dead, n = 4), oxidative stress (n = 8), and morphology (SEM). The amount of H2O2 in the extracts was also determined (leuco crystal violet/peroxidase, n = 8). The numerical data underwent one-criterion variance analysis (one-way ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test, at a 5% significance level. ResultsRegarding the ΔE00, no difference was observed among groups 2TiF4, 6TiF4, and PC (p > 0.05). The ΔWI was similar between groups 2TiF4 and PC (p > 0.05). The ΔWI of group 6TiF4 was superior to PC (p < 0.05), and group 10TiF4 achieved the highest ΔE00 and ΔWI values (p < 0.05). Besides limiting enamel microstructural changes compared to PC, group 10TiF4 significantly increased the hardness of this mineralized dental tissue. The highest cellular viability occurred in 10TiF4 compared to the other bleached groups (p < 0.05). Trans-amelodentinal H2O2 diffusion decreased in groups 2TiF4, 6TiF4, and 10TiF4 in comparison with PC (p < 0.05). ConclusionCoating enamel with a PPol containing TiF4 before applying a 35% BG may increase enamel microhardness and esthetic efficacy and reduce the trans-amelodentinal cytotoxicity of conventional in-office tooth bleaching. The PPol containing 10 mg/mL of TiF4 promoted the best outcomes.

Characterization of a Novel TiF4 Inclusion Complex and in vitro Evaluation of Its Effect on Inhibiting Enamel Demineralization

Introduction: Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) is an anticariogenic agent with high remineralizing potential. However, the acidic pH of TiF4 solution can limit its clinical application. The present study aimed to prepare and characterize a new TiF4-dendrimer inclusion complex and evaluate its ability to inhibit enamel demineralization under pH cycling conditions. Methods: PEG-citrate dendrimer and TiF4-dendrimer inclusion complex were synthesized and their molecular structures were evaluated using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR), and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) tests. Forty-eight enamel samples were prepared and randomly divided into four groups: distilled water (negative control), TiF4 solution (T), dendrimer solution (D), and TiF4-dendrimer solution (TD). The microhardness of the samples was measured initially. Next, the samples underwent pH cycling, were exposed to the solutions, the microhardness was measured again, and microhardness loss was calculated. EDX analysis was performed on the surface and cross-sectional segments of the samples. Results: The microhardness loss was significantly higher in control (−65.1 ± 6.0) compared to other groups. No significant difference was observed between T (−47.9 ± 5.6) and D (−41.7 ± 12.0) and also D and TD (−40.5 ± 9.4) in this regard. Microhardness loss was significantly higher in T compared to TD group. The TD samples showed similar fluoride and titanium content in both surface and subsurface regions, while the T group had higher concentrations in the surface region. Moreover, the TD solution had a higher pH of 3.4 compared to the T solution’s pH of 1.1. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed between the efficacy of TiF4-dendrimer and TiF4 solution in inhibiting demineralization while TiF4-dendrimer solution had the added advantage of having a higher pH.

Effect of CO2 Laser-Assisted Titanium Tetra-fluoride on Demineralization of Enamel Around Orthodontic Brackets.

Introduction: One of the clinical problems following orthodontic treatment is white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets due to enamel demineralization. Confronting enamel demineralization during fixed treatments has long been a challenge for orthodontists. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of CO2 laser and Titanium Tetra-fluoride (TiF4) application on the prevention of enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets. Methods: Eighty permanent premolars were selected and bonded with brackets. They were randomly divided into four groups (n=20): topical titanium tetra-fluoride gel 4% (TiF4), CO2 laser (10.6 μm wavelength for 10 seconds, peak power=291 W), fluoride+laser (F+L) and control (C). All specimens were demineralized for 10 days in a 0.2 M acetate buffer solution. The mean lesion depths were determined by using polarized light microscopy. Results: The mean depth of lesion was the highest in the C group and then decreased in the TiF4, CO2 laser, and F+L groups, respectively. The difference between all groups was significant (P<0.05), except for the CO2 laser and F+L groups. Conclusion: The lowest amount of demineralization around the orthodontic brackets was observed in the L+F group, followed by the CO2 laser, TiF4, and control groups, respectively.

TiF4-catalyzed direct amidation of carboxylic acids and amino acids with amines.

Unlike other metal fluorides, catalytic titanium tetrafluoride enhances the direct amidation of aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids and N-protected amino acids in refluxing toluene. While aromatic acids were converted to amides with 10 mol% of the catalyst within 24 h, aliphatic acids underwent a faster reaction (12 h), with lower catalyst loading (5 mol%). This protocol is equally efficient with alkyl and aryl amines providing a variety of carboxamides and peptides in 60-99% yields.

Effect of an experimental TiF4/NaF solution in preventing tooth erosion

ObjectiveThis was a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled in vivo study investigating the protective potential of a titanium tetrafluoride/ sodium fluoride (TiF4/NaF) solution compared to its respective positive and negative controls under an in vivo model, as well as the perception of participants regarding the use of this experimental solution. MethodsAfter the ethics approval and the selection procedures, 33 participants were divided into three treatments: TiF4/NaF solution (500 ppm F, pH 4.4); AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash (500 ppm F, pH 4.5) and water (pH 7.0) (n = 11). After professional cleaning, the participants rinsed with one of the solutions for one minute and waited two hours for the erosive challenge. The erosive solution (1 % citric acid, pH 2.5) was applied for 10 s on each central incisor (enamel area: 4 mm2) and collected for calcium analysis using III Arsenazo colorimetric method. The Ca2+ release data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn tests (p < 0.05). ResultsTeeth treated with both fluoride solutions released less calcium into the acid (median and interquartile interval: TiF4/NaF – 0.45/0.19 mM and AmF/NaF/SnCl2 – 0.46/0.15 mM Ca2+, p = 0.99) compared to the negative control (1.12/0.42 mM Ca2+, 60 % reduction, p < 0.0006). For both F solutions, only one participant per group reported unpleasant taste. Four participants belonging to AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash reported burning sensation post-rinse, while only one participant described such feeling after TiF4/NaF rinsing. ConclusionThe experimental TiF4/NaF solution was as effective as the commercial AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash in protecting enamel against erosive demineralization with a good acceptability by the participants.

A novel method of TiOF2 particles synthesis out of fluoride solutions

Titanium oxyfluoride TiOF2 finds a wide range of applications in photocatalytic processes, pigments, lithium ion batteries, etc. The present work proposes a novel, simple and productive TiOF2 synthesis route through hydrolysis of the titanium fluoride solution. It was demonstrated that the process resulted with the formation of two polymorph modifications, hexagonal h-TiOF2 (space group R3̅c) and cubic с-TiOF2 (space group Pm3̅m). It was found that the proportion between the resulting phases is dependent on synthesis conditions. In particular, the presence of hydrogen peroxide during titanium tetrafluoride hydrolysis provided formation of exclusively cubic TiOF2 phase. Moreover, the correlation between calcination temperature and phase composition of the synthesized titanium oxyfluoride samples was found. Band gap Eg was determined for the samples consisting of с-TiOF2 phase only, as well as for the mixture of both hexagonal and cubic modifications.

Effect of Titanium Tetrafluoride on Degree of Conversion and Bond Strength of an Orthodontic Primer

Effect of Titanium Tetrafluoride on Degree of Conversion and Bond Strength of an Orthodontic Primer

Bonding durability and remineralizing efficiency of orthodontic adhesive containing titanium tetrafluoride: an invitro study

BackgroundTitanium tetrafluoride has been shown to protect tooth enamel from demineralization. This study investigated the effect of incorporating different concentrations of TiF4 (1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) into an orthodontic primer on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets and the enamel microhardness after cariogenic challenges.MethodsThree different TiF4 concentrations (1, 2 and 3 Wt.%) were prepared and added to the etch and rinse orthodontic primer. Ninety freshly extracted premolars were randomly divided into five groups according to the experimental primers and ageing conditions: TF0, TF0C, TF1C, TF2C, and TF3C. The TF0C group had no TiF4 in the primer, while TF1C, TF2C, and TF3C had 1, 2 and 3 Wt.% TiF4 in the primer, respectively. In the TF0 group, specimens were immersed in deionized water for 24 h as a control group, while all other groups were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 28 days. Each of the five groups was divided into two subgroups: The first group was subjected to shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index testing (N = 50 teeth, 10/group), while the second group was subjected to enamel surface microhardness testing (N = 25 teeth, 50 tooth halves, 10 tooth halves/group). Fifteen teeth (N = 15 teeth, n = 3/group) representing the five groups were subjected to SEM and microelemental analysis (EDX). SBS, ARI, microhardness, and Ca/P ratio were measured, and the data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests.ResultsThe TF2C group had the highest SBS value (9.93 ± 1.23), while the TF0C (5.24 ± 0.65) and TF3C (5.13 ± 0.55) had the lowest SBS values. The enamel microhardness in the TF0C group was significantly reduced (p < .001). Enamel microhardness values were significantly (p < .001) higher in groups TF1C, TF2C, and TF3C than in TF0C. The highest Ca/P ratio was significantly recorded for the TF2C group (2.65 ± 0.02).ConclusionsIncorporation of 1 and 2 Wt.% TiF4 into the orthodontic primers showed adequate bond strength and better remineralization effect. However, 1 Wt.% TiF4 showed lower ARI values than 2 Wt.% TiF4.

Dentin permeability after pretreatment with titanium tetrafluoride and self-etching or universal adhesive systems

Aim: To evaluate dentin permeability after pretreatment with 2.5% aqueous solution of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), followed by a self-etching universal adhesive system. Methods: Forty dentin discs (1.5 mm thick) were randomly divided into groups according to the application or non-application of a pretreatment, and the type of adhesive system to be tested (two-step self-etching/ Clearfil SE Bond/ Kuraray Medical, or universal adhesive system/ Single Bond Universal/ 3M ESPE). Both sides of the discs were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid to remove the smear layer. The first hydraulic conductivity measurement (L1) was performed in a permeability machine, under 5 PSI pressure. The samples were sanded again to form a standardized smear layer. The teeth designated for pre-treatment with TiF4 received the TiF4 solutions applied actively for 60 seconds, and the adhesive systems were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, a new hydraulic conductivity measurement (L2) was performed for the purpose of calculating the hydraulic conductance at a later time, considering the water viscosity and the thickness of the specimen. The percentage (L) of dentin permeability after application of the adhesive system was obtained (L (%) = [(L1-L2) x100] / L1). The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was applied. Results: There was no difference between the two adhesive systems, or between the groups with or without pretreatment, as regards dentin permeability (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with 2.5% TiF4 did not influence dentin permeability, irrespective of the adhesive system used.

Comparative In Vitro Study Regarding the Effect of 2% and 6% Titanium Tetrafluoride on Demineralized Human Enamel

Background: Dental caries is the most common disease of the childhood and adulthood where the mineral contents of the enamel of the teeth begin to lose due to acids attacks by demineralization process. It can be prevented by application of fluoride that increased the mineral content of the enamel and made it highly resistant to acid demineralization. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) in different concentrations and frequencies on surface microstructure and chemical structure of artificially demineralized enamel. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 35 premolar teeth: seven teeth randomly selected remained sound (five for energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and two for scan electronic microscopy, whereas the remaining 28 teeth were divided into four treatment groups (n = 7): (1) control negative (deionized water), (2) control positive (acidulated phosphate fluoride gel), (3) 6% TiF4 solution once daily, (4) 2% TiF4 solution three times daily. Chemical structure and surface microstructure analyses were made for sound, after demineralization then after treatments. Results: The fluoride content was greater in 6% TiF4, whereas the calcium content was greater in control positive followed by 6% TiF4 then 2% TiF4 groups. Surface microstructure revealed uniform, smooth, glaze-like surface with no irregularities in 6% TiF4 while localized areas of glaze-like depositions were noted in 2% TiF4. Conclusions: The TiF4 showed better minerals contents and uniform surface in its higher concentration and the frequency of applications was not important as concentration.

In-vitro effect of a single application of CPP-ACP pastes and different fluoridated solutions on the prevention of dental caries around orthodontic brackets.

To assess the in-vitro effect of single applications of CPP-ACP pastes and different fluoridated solutions on the prevention of dental caries around orthodontic brackets. Tooth/bracket sets (n=65) were immersed in artificial saliva (1h at 37ºC) and randomly subjected to single applications (100µL; 1min) of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP emulsion), CPP-ACP with fluoride (CPP-ACPF emulsion), solutions of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) or sodium fluoride (NaF), or no treatment (CG). Multispecies biofilm (5 x 105 CFU/mL) was formed in the presence of 2% sucrose. After 24 h, the pH and the concentration of total soluble fluoride (TSF) were analyzed by culture medium. The presence of active white spot lesions (WSL) evaluated by macroscopic examination and the percent surface mineral loss (%SML) were analyzed. Also, the topography of enamel was detected by analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data was assessed by chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). Fluoride-containing compounds led to a smaller pH reduction than did CPP-ACP and CG (p<0.05). There was difference in TSF between the groups (p<0.05), denoted as TiF4> NaF > CPP-ACPF > CPP-ACP > CG. Regarding the presence of WSL and %SML, the NaF group obtained lower values (p<0.05), while TiF4 and CPP-ACPF were similar (p>0.05). SEM demonstrated that fluoride-free groups had a larger surface dissolution. Fluoridated groups including solutions and CPP-ACPF were more effective than CPP-ACP in reducing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets after a single application.

Evaluation of pretreatments on intra-radicular dentin bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements.

To evaluate the influence of dentin pretreatments on the push-out bond strength (POBS) of self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) to radicular dentin. Two experimental pretreatments (2.5% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4 ) and 26% polyacrylic acid (PA)) and two SARCs: Maxcem Elite (MAX) and Calibra Universal (CAL) were used. For each cement, a control group was applied as indicated by the manufacturer. Sixty bovine incisors were restored (n = 10) and subjected to POBS evaluation. Failure mode, adhesive interface and surface morphology were analyzed by a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and resin infiltration was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data for POBS and CLSM were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc (α = 0.05). For MAX, both experimental pretreatments resulted in increased POBS in the cervical third, and for CAL, only the PA resulted in higher POBS in the cervical third. The most failures occurred between the dentin and the resin cement, except when TiF4 was applied. For PA, analysis of surface morphology showed open dentinal tubules, while TiF4 presented particle agglomerates. SEM and CLSM images confirmed presence of resin tags for both pretreatments. Pretreating radicular dentin with PA and TiF4 solutions improves the bond strength of SARCs.

Fluoroammonium method for processing of cake from leaching of titanium-magnesium production sludge

We present the results of the physical and chemical properties of cake from nitric-acid leaching of titanium production sludge. It was found that all silicon in the cake is in the form of quartz, albite, sillimanite, sodium aluminosilicate. In total, these minerals make up the majority of the cake 60.24%. Titanium is presented in the form of rutile, titanium aluminum oxide, which in total is 35.56%. Iron is part of sillimanite and hematite, the total content of which is about 4.2%. The optimal parameters of fluoroammonium processing of cake were determined: silicon distillation into sublimates at 300°С for 6 hours, sublimation of titanium in the form of titanium tetrafluoride at 800°С for 2 hours. The process of alkaline hydrolysis of sublimates of fluoride compounds and cinder was carried out. Purification of impurities and calcination of hydrated titanium dioxide were carried out. The resulting titanium and silicon dioxide products contain: 96.2% TiO2, 88 % SiО2, respectively; a niobium-containing intermediate product with a content of 11.6 % Nb2O5 was also obtained.