CHANGES ON DENTAL ENAMEL AFTER ACID ETCHING

Abstract

Etch of enamel produces pores, where subsequently resin or adhesive system infiltrate. Silvestrone has established different morphological forms of etched enamel. Enamel surface, after being treated with phosphoric acid, has been demineralized in thickness of 5-10 μm, and that is enamel etched area. About 20 μm thick pores formed under the surface are the areas of qualitative pores. Under that, about 20 μm thick area of quantitative pores follows. Material consisted of human teeth with intact enamel extracted because of paradontophatia or orthodontic reasons. Untreated and treated teeth have been analysed with the application of AFM, type JSPM-5200 in contact mode, which means that physical contact between AFM sonda and enamel surface is constant force.