Weight-loss and surface roughness of enamel after microabrasion procedure with different agents

Abstract Introduction Enamel microabrasion is achieved by abrasion of the enamel surface and it is a quick, practical and efficient procedure. Objective It was assessed the weight loss and surface aspect of enamel after microabrasion procedures with commercial and mixtures made in-office. Material and method Eighty bovine incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): OpalustreTM (6.6% HCl + silicon carbide); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + silicon carbide); 37% H3PO4 + pumice and 10% HCl + pumice. Treatment was performed by 15 applications of 10s duration. The enamel weight loss was determined by the difference in weight before and after the microabrasion. The surfaces were analyzed by a surface roughness equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to paired-T test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Result It was observed significantly weight loss for all groups. The difference in weight loss ranged from 0.037±0.012 for group 37% H3PO4 and from 0.054±0.009 for group 6,6% HCl. There was a significant increase in surface roughness for all groups and 10% HCl group showed the lower results (0.65±0.09). It was observed different patterns of enamel morphology by SEM images. Conclusion The in-office mixtures resulted in the lowest enamel structure loss (37% H3PO4) and the lowest surface roughness (10% HCl).