INFLUENCE OF THREE TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN THE ENAMEL SURFACE: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is an enamel alteration characterized with opaque stains caused by high exposures to fluoride during the dentition development. Aim: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate changes in the enamel surface of sound human teeth after three treatment protocols for dental fluorosis: microabrasion with 37% phosphoric acid and pumice, home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, and a combination of these techniques. Methods: Thirty-eight specimens (5×5×2 mm) with enamel surface were obtained from 19 third molars. Thirty six specimens were randomized into three treatment groups (n= 12): MAB- enamel microabrasion; CP10- home bleaching; MAB+CP10- a combination of these techniques and two specimens not received treatment. Surface roughness and microhardness analyses were performed before and after treatment protocols. Two representative specimens from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests were used for data analysis (p< 0.05). Results: All treatment protocols promoted an increased in enamel surface roughness (p< 0.02). MAB and MAB+CP10 showed a significant increase in the enamel microhardness (p< 0.04), while CP10 showed a microhardness lower than MAB and MAB+CP10 (p< 0.05). SEM images demonstrated a smoother surface from MAB and MAB+CP10 and, an irregular pattern of enamel erosion from CP10. Conclusions: The treatment protocols for dental fluorosis tested significantly changed the enamel roughness, microhardness and micromorphology.