Objectives: To evaluate the protective effects of different fluoride varnishes on enamel subjected to pH cycling and toothbrush abrasion, via monitoring changes in enamel microhardness, and the measurement of wear after toothbrushing. Methods: A hundred and forty samples were prepared from thirty-five molar and seventy anterior teeth. Specimens were divided into six varnish groups (Fluor Protector S, Vanish, NUPRO White, ProFluorid, Duraphat, and PreviDent), and one Control group (n=20). Fluoride varnishes were applied according to manufacturers’ instructions. Specimens were subjected to an 8-day pH cycling. The specimens were then exposed to 500 and 1,500 cycles of toothbrush abrasion to simulate one and three months of brushing respectively. Vickers Microhardness testing was done at baseline, after pH cycling, and after brushing for all groups. 3D digital scans were obtained from all specimens using an intra-oral scanner (CEREC OminCam) at baseline, after 1 month of brushing, and after 3 months of brushing. Wear measurements were done using exocad software. Surface examination was performed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to determine surface conditions at baseline, after pH cycling, and after toothbrush abrasion. Energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) was used for the elemental analysis of the sample to quantify the presence of fluoride content at baseline, after pH cycling, and after toothbrush abrasion. Results: Fluor Protector S and Duraphat have displayed the highest surface microhardness values after pH cycling (p
| Date of Award | Jan 1 2018 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Sibel Antonson (Supervisor) |
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