Effect of Remineralizing Agents and Resin Infiltration on Resistance to Demineralization of Artificial Enamel Lesions

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different remineralizing agents and resin infiltration on resistance to demineralization of artificial enamel lesions. A total of 56 specimens were prepared for cross-sectional microhardness testing. Specimens were assigned to eight main groups (n = 7 each) according to the surface treatment performed; artificial saliva, Fluoride, CPP-ACP, CPP-ACFP and each of the previous surface treatments followed by resin infiltrant (RI). All treated artificial enamel lesions were subjected to pH cycling. Each specimen was measured at five predetermined depths (100,150,200,250,300). In addition, seven specimens of sound enamel served as a positive control. Cross-sectional microhardness (CSH) of all specimens was measured using Vickers’s microhardness tester. A representative specimen from each group was evaluated under a polarized light microscope. The mean and standard deviation for microhardness of all specimens were calculated. Two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction between surface treatment and depth of measurement had no significant effect on cross-sectional microhardness of artificial enamel lesions. Meanwhile, different types of surface treatment revealed a significant effect on the mean CSH of artificial enamel lesions. The highest value of mean CSH was found in specimens of sound enamel and CPP-ACFP. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between CPP-ACFP (with or without RI) and Fluoride (with or without RI). In addition, no significant difference in mean CSH was recorded between all the specimens treated with RI. Meanwhile, the lowest mean CSH value was recorded by artificial saliva. Additionally, artificial saliva (with or without RI) and CPP-ACP (with or without RI) showed no statistically significant difference in mean CSH.