Replica-based inspection of enamel wear microfeatures

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Surface replication is a nondestructive evaluation technique applied in examining surface wear by recording surface irregularities, especially in conditions when surfaces of interest cannot be further manipulated to fit directly under a microscope to be examined. Enamel is the outermost protective layer of the human teeth and is constantly stressed by mastication forces which results in enamel wear. OBJECTIVE: To date, a procedure combining the clinical and microscopic examination of enamel surfaces is absent, which hinders the early diagnosis and comprehension of the wear process. METHODS: This study investigated the role of replication sheets in registering microscopic wear on human enamel surfaces by both negative and positive replication techniques. RESULTS: The sheets replicated wear features successfully. Sheets were compatible to use with multiple microscopes, with proper preparation, including high resolution microscopes such as the scanning electron microscope and transmitting electron microscope.