objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different remineralizing agents and resin infiltration on resistance to demineralization of artificial enamel lesions using a pH cycling model.
Materials and Methods: A total of 63 anterior bovine teeth were randomly assigned to nine groups (n=7). Artificial white spot lesions were created on the labial enamel surface using the demineralizing solution for all groups except for sound enamel group. Different surface treatments were then performed; G1: Artificial saliva, G2: Clinpro White Varnish™, G3: Tooth Mousse®, G4: MI Paste Plus®, G5: Artificial saliva/ ICON®, G6: Clinpro White Varnish™/ICON®, G7: Tooth Mousse®/ ICON®, G8: MI Paste Plus®/ ICON®, G9: sound enamel. All treated artificial enamel lesions were subjected to pH cycling. The whole nine groups were then submitted to cross-sectional microhardness using Vicker's microhardness test, each specimen was measured at five predetermined depths. ANOVA was used to analyze the data.
Results: Two-Way ANOVA revealed that the type of surface treatment had a significant effect. Meanwhile, depth of measurement had no significant effect on cross-sectional microhardness of artificial enamel lesions.
Conclusion: Remineralizing agents are effective in resisting demineralization in treated artificial enamel lesions and their effect is not potentiated by ICON® treatment.
Clinical significance: One-month daily application of MI Paste Plus® was efficient to restore and maintain microhardness of enamel.