Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

School of Dentistry

Department

Orthodontics

Committee Chair

Peter Ngan

Committee Member

Mark Durkee

Committee Member

Elizabeth Kao

Abstract

Decalcification around orthodontic appliances is an ongoing problem during orthodontic treatment. Argon laser irradiation has been shown to decrease the solubility of enamel. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of argon laser irradiation on the solubility of etched and pumiced enamel. Twelve human third molar teeth were sliced into six 1mm sections, one section from each tooth was randomly assigned to one of 6 groups: I. No treatment, II. Argon laser irradiation at 120 J/cm2, III. Pumiced enamel, IV Pumiced enamel and laser irradiation, V. Pumiced and etched enamel, VI. Pumiced and etched enamel plus laser irradiation. Samples were painted with acid resistant varnish leaving a window (~.5mm x 1mm) to be exposed to demineralizing solution. In vitro lesions were created by placing samples in acidic (pH 4.45) solution with stirring. Sections were thinned to 100µm. Lesion depths were recorded using polarized light microscopic photographs at a total magnification of 990x. Results show lesion depths were 11.7% less with laser irradiation as compared to controls. Treatment of enamel with pumice and laser irradiation produced no significant difference in lesion depths compared to controls. Treatment of enamel with pumice, acid etching and laser irradiation showed no significant difference in lesion depths compared to controls. These results suggest that laser irradiation of enamel decreases the solubility of enamel. Pumicing or acid etching seems to take away the ability of the laser to decrease the solubility of enamel. (This study was supported by West Virginia Health Associates and the Southern Association of Orthodontists)

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