Objective: This in situ/ex vivo study assessed the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF(4)) on permanent human enamel subjected to erosion.
Design: Ten volunteers took part in this study performed in two phases. In the first phase (ERO), they wore acrylic palatal appliances containing two enamel blocks, divided into two rows: TiF(4) (F) and no-TiF(4) (no-F). During the 1st day, the formation of a salivary pellicle was allowed. In the 2nd day, the TiF(4) solution was applied on one row (ERO+F), whereas on the other row no treatment was performed (ERO+no-F). From 3rd until 7th day, the blocks were subjected to erosion, 4x per day. In the 2nd phase (no-ERO), the volunteers wore acrylic palatal appliances containing one enamel block, during 2 days, to assess the effect of TiF(4) only (no-ERO+F). Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry (wear), microhardness (%SMHC) tests, scanning electron microscope and microprobe analysis. The %SMHC and wear were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (p<0.05).
Results: The mean of %SMHC and wear (microm) values (+/-S.D.) were, respectively: ERO+F -73.32+/-5.16(A)/2.40+/-0.60(a); ERO+no-F -83.49+/-4.59(B)/1.17+/-0.48(b) and no-ERO+F -67.92+/-6.16(A)/0.21+/-0.09(c). In microscope analysis, the no-F group showed enamel with honeycomb appearance. For F groups, it was observed a surface coating with microcracks. The microprobe analysis revealed the presence of the following elements (%) in groups ERO+F, ERO+no-F and no-ERO+F, respectively: Ca (69.9, 72.5, 66.25); P (25.9, 26.5, 26.06); Ti (3.0, 0, 5.93).
Conclusions: The TiF(4) was unable to reduce dental erosion.