• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.389-399
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• 1996

Remineralization of acid-etched enamel across the time has been one of the curiosities in the context of the orthodontic biomechanics(Arends J. et al., IRL Press, 1, 1985), nevertheless, is so far controversial. It was the aim of this study to observe the remineralization patterns of acid-etched enamel across the time and whether the existence of fluoride might carry out any modifications. The intact buccal surfaces of the first bicuspids which was extracted for orthodontic treatment were ground smooth, and etched with a 38w/w% phosphoric acid for 60 seconds, The surface was observed by the scanning electron microscope and surface microhardness was measured after immersion in the fluoride or non-fluoride containing remineralizing solution for 0 hour, 12 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days, and 42 days. The following results and conclusions were drawn; 1. Surface microhardness increased in both fluoride containing and non-fluoride containing solution group with time lapse. 2. In fluoride containing solution group, the surface microhardness sharply increased at the 12 hours group, on the other hand, surface microhardness increased at 3 days in non-fluoride containing solution group. 3. The difference in microhardness value between two groups manifested gradual decrease. 4. Scanning electron microphotographs disclosed that the fluoride containing solution group generated spiculate sub-stances in the 12 hours group, which was increased in number and size with time lapse. 7 days later, spherical composure was began to be produced, The spiculate substances so much increased in number that the etched enamel surface looked like flat in 42 days. 5. In non fluoride-containing solution group, there was no surface change at 42 days, perceivable in scanning electron microphotographs which could be defined as remineralization though the surface was a little rougher than the incipient etched surface. These results demonstrate that the action of the fluoride is exceedingly pertinent in the remineralization of acid-etched enamel and the remineralization process goes uninterruptedly with time lapse.