title: An in vitro study of the effects of different crystal growth solutions on the topography of the enamel surface.
abstract: This study evaluated the effect on the topography of the enamel surface of applying various solutions based on polyacrylic acid. This base solution consisted of 50 per cent aqueous polyacrylic acid (molecular weight 5000) and concentrated sulphuric acid (98 per cent). Previously, similar solutions have been found to initiate a crystal growth on the enamel surface and have been proposed as being suitable for the attachment of orthodontic brackets via a composite resin interface. The base solution was modified by the addition of various ionic salts: the sulphates of lithium, magnesium and potassium, respectively. Human premolar teeth were then treated to a standard format and the effect on the enamel surface was examined by the use of a scanning electron microscope at x 500 and x 1500 magnification. The resultant micrographs of the specimens were presented to three independent observers who assessed the length, quality, and degree of coverage of the crystals. The solution containing potassium sulphate gave the longest crystals, whilst the greatest degree of coverage was obtained with the magnesium sulphate solution. Each solution was found to produce a consistent and recognizable morphology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Dental Health, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Pizarro
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knox
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental / Q000379:methods; D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003460:Crystallization; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013431:Sulfates / Q000494:pharmacology; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D013431:Sulfates; D013464:Sulfuric Acids; C031512:potassium sulfate; C006903:carbopol 940; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; C054097:lithium sulfate; C033158:sulfuric acid