A comparative study of roughness of enamel surface to various interdental enamel stripping methods in vitro

Row, Joon; Chun, Youn Sic

Abstract

Interdental enamel stripping is an usual method for correction of abnormal tooth shape and tooth size discrepancy which is one of the etiologic factors of malocclusion. Clinically it is useful to correct the minor crowding in anterior teeth and posterior occlusion during finishing stage of orthodontic treatment. But this procedure has risks such as irreversible tooth reduction and remaining roughness of enamel surface can accumulate plaque which can evoke periodontal problem. Even if various methods were introduced to minimize the enamel surface roughness, their evaluation was limited in morphologic differences by scanning electronic microscope(SEM). The purpose of this study was to compare the various interdental enamel stripping method by SEM and to quantify the difference of surface roughness by use of Surfcorder SEF-30D(Kosaka Lab. Ltd.) which can measure the roughness of surface. The stripping methods were divided into mechanical and mechanical-chemical method. Air-rotor stripping and separating strip were used for mechanical stripping and 37% phosphoric acid was used for chemical stripping. The enamel surface roughness after mechanical or mechanical-chemical stripping of interproximal surfaces of premolars which were extracted for orthodontic purpose were measured and compared by means of SEM and Surfcorder(R), the results were as follows. 1. Enamel surface of primary treated by coarse diamond bur and separating strip groups showed highest value of roughness. 2. To compare the primary treated groups between mechanical and mechanical-chemical method, the latter group showed lower value of roughness remarkably. 3. Mechanical stripping groups which were treated both coarse and fine instrument showed lower value of roughness as much as non treated group. 4. The use of pumice for final polishing did not show significantly smoothening the stripped enamel surface any more.