title: Effect of different pH solvents on micro-hardness and surface topography of dental nano-composite: An in vitro analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Erosion of tooth surface is attributed to recent shift in diet pattern and frequent use of beverages. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different beverages on surface topography and hardness of nano-filled composite material.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty flat disc shaped resin composite samples were fabricated and placed in distilled water for 24 hours. After 24 hours test samples were dried and divided into 4 groups. Group A (n=15) specimens were placed in tight amber bottle comprising 25 ml of artificial saliva. Similarly Group B, C and D were stored in equal amounts of orange juice, milk and coca cola drink respectively. Samples were checked for hardness and surface changes were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were strong significant difference observed in samples immersed in orange juice and artificial saliva. A strong significant difference was seen between Group D and Group A. Group A and Group C showed no significant difference. The micro-hardness test showed reduced values among all samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Beverages consumed daily have a negative influence on hardness and surface degradation of nano-filled dental composite. Comparatively, nano-filled composites possess higher surface area to volume ratio of their fillers particle size may lead to higher surface roughness than other resin based dental biomaterials.
authors.affiliation: Aftab Ahmed Khan, MSc, M.Bioeth, B.D.S Researcher, Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433; Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Aftab Ahmed
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Adel Zia Siddiqui, MSc, B.D.S Associate Professor, Dental Material Sciences, Baqai Dental College, Baqai Medical University, 51 Deh Tor, Toll Plaza, Super Highway, Gadap Road, Karachi 74600; Pakistan.
authors.forename: Adel Zia
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.affiliation: Abdulaziz A. Al-Kheraif, Ph.D, MSc Associate Professor and Chair, Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433; Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdulaziz A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Al-Kheraif
authors.affiliation: Ambreen Zahid, B.D.S Lecturer, Oral Pathology, Muhammad Bin Qasim Dental College, Gulshan-e-Benazir, Razaqabad, Bin Qasim Town, Karachi; Pakistan.
authors.forename: Ambreen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zahid
authors.affiliation: Darshan Devang Divakar, M.D.S, B.D.S Researcher, Dental Biomaterials Research chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433; Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Darshan Devang
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Divakar
keywords: Beverages; Hardness; Microscopy; Nano-filled composite; Surface degradation